Pictured: Ian McCaig

Leading independent energy supplier First Utility (www.first-utility.com) today announced that Ian McCaig will take over as its new Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect. The appointment follows his recent involvement with the company as both Non-Executive Director and Deputy Chairman.

McCaig is perhaps best known for his role at lastminute.com, joining as Chief Operating Officer in 2003. Working alongside the Founders and the Board, onto which he was appointed in November 2003, McCaig grew sales at the business from £500m in 2003 to almost £1.5 billion by 2005 when the company was sold to Travelocity for £577m. Following the transaction he led the integration of Travelocity's European business interests with those of the lastminute.com group. He was appointed group CEO in spring 2006 and steered lastminute.com through its most successful years before moving on at the end of 2010.

First Utility, which has approximately 80,000 customers, was the first UK energy supplier to roll out smart meters free to its customers. The company, in which Morgan Stanley Capital Group Inc. has a significant interest, was also recently named as one of the fastest growing privately owned companies in the UK in the latest prestigious 'Fast Track 100'.

First Utility Co-Founder and former CEO Mark Daeche, who assumes the role of Non-Executive Director, comments: "We're delighted to have Ian on board; he brings with him an exceptional track record, particularly across the online and telecoms sector. His experience of managing fast-growth companies will be a real asset to the company. First Utility has experienced rapid growth over the last three years and I look forward to this continuing as we provide an increasingly robust proposition to the outdated practices of the Big Six energy firms that dominate the UK's energy supply market."

Ian McCaig adds: "First Utility has stood out as an innovator in today's UK energy marketplace from the start and there is a huge opportunity for it to shake up the energy supply marketplace here in the UK and make a real and positive difference for consumers, both in terms of their control over their energy use and in reducing their bills. The next year will see us introduce new and better platforms to improve customer experience and launch a range of new services. I am particularly excited about our work with US-based energy efficiency company Opower, which will give people access to unique tools and information regarding their energy consumption and will empower them to make real changes to the way they use energy.

"During my time as Deputy Chairman I have seen First Utility cement its position as the leading challenger within the energy industry. It has championed the modernisation of the UK's industry to increase competition and benefit consumers. I am very much looking forward to building on the success of the company so far and continuing to drive the business forward."

Marc Citron, Interim Chairman of First Utility, comments: "Ian has been working with us for over a year and has developed a solid understanding of our business and the industry in which we operate. His experience of leading a rapidly expanding company will prove invaluable as we look to secure significant growth and reshape the energy market over the coming period."

McCaig joined First Utility in October 2010 as a Non-Executive Director, later becoming Deputy Chairman. He has been working with the firm's Board and Executive team in developing the company's business strategy and forward positioning in the marketplace. 

Prior to lastminute.com, Ian spent six years at Nokia where he worked across Europe, the Middle East and Asia launching some of the world's first 3G networks.

McCaig has acted as an advisor to a number of private equity firms and small businesses, and sits on the NSPCC's Childline Board, as well as being a Trustee of the Windsor Leadership Trust and a Visitor to St Edmund's College, Cambridge. He has also been involved both with the National Trust and The Natural History Museum in developing their digital and technology strategies.