Calisen Group Strengthens Leadership for Growth Intent with New Board Appointments

Calisen Group's Board Expansion for Future Growth

Calisen Group, the leading provider of smart meters in the UK, has announced the strategic appointments of Alistair Phillips-Davies CBE and Matthew Timms as Non-Executive Directors. This initiative aligns with the organization's ambitious growth strategy following the recent hiring of Catherine O'Kelly as CEO and Walter Schmidt as Chairman. With over a decade of experience in modernizing metering systems, Calisen is poised to enhance its operations as they embrace electrification and smart technologies.

Alistair Phillips-Davies, who served as CEO of SSE plc until July 2025, brings extensive knowledge of the energy industry and its intersection with government policy and customer service. Having begun his career in finance and subsequently advising the UK Government on various councils, including the Net Zero Council, he was awarded a CBE in 2024 for his significant contributions to the field. Meanwhile, Matthew Timms has substantial experience in digital transformation, serving as an advisor to the UK Government and holding important roles in major firms like E.ON and SAP.

Walter Schmidt, Chairman of Calisen, highlighted the ongoing transformation in the energy sector, with a notable shift towards sustainable generation methods such as nuclear and offshore wind. He emphasized the crucial role smart meters play in this transition, stating, "They are the lynchpin in this transformation. Smart meters with data analysis and clever application will tailor power to home budgets and needs."

Alistair echoed this sentiment, mentioning that the shift to an electrified energy system not only caters to sustainability but also promises job creation and enhanced services for consumers amidst global tension. In his view, smart meters are essential to this journey, representing the initial steps toward unlocking the full potential of today's energy capabilities.

Matthew Timms added further depth to the conversation, pointing out that the cost of energy remains a pressing concern in the UK. He believes technology, particularly smart meters, can significantly alleviate these burdens while empowering consumers through innovative solutions. Since their introduction, smart meters have evolved past basic functionalities, offering consumers the ability to harness and regulate their energy sources, including tapping into solar power.

Schmidt and the board view the forthcoming government consultations on smart meters as pivotal in shaping the industry's future, addressing challenges such as reliability and performance standards. The anticipated discussions, including Ofgem's new Guaranteed Standards of Performance and the Department of Energy Security's focus on tackling energy costs, are expected to yield substantial developments in smart metering and its broader implications for the energy supply chain.

Calisen's commitment to transitioning from traditional energy systems to modernized, intelligent technology aligns with their mission to provide 'smarter energy for all'. As they expand their operations beyond the UK, including their recent venture into Germany with a €100 million investment, the company is sharpening its focus on creating efficiencies and integrations that accommodate the changing energy landscape.

The existing infrastructure, comprising around 15 million meters, positions Calisen as a frontrunner in the UK’s energy sector. This dynamic board composition underscores the company's commitment to leveraging experience and innovative thinking to prepare for future challenges and opportunities.

As Calisen embarks on this next chapter under new leadership, the integration of Alistair Phillips-Davies and Matthew Timms into their Board reflects a robust strategy to navigate the complex energy ecosystem. Their blend of operational acumen and technological expertise will be instrumental as Calisen strives to redefine how energy is consumed, paving the way for a sustainable future where smart meters are at the core of customer energy interactions.