Energy Systems Catapult has appointed esteemed industry leaders, Nazo Moosa and Catherine Bremner, as Non-Executive Directors, and Dr Alan Whitehead as Board Advisor, enhancing its strategic expertise to empower innovators driving the UK’s Net Zero ambitions.

These appointments come at a critical juncture, as the UK reinforces its commitment to accelerating decarbonisation, leveraging green finance, and implementing transformative technologies to achieve the government’s clean power 2030 mission and an ambitious 81% reduction in emissions by 2035.

Nazo Moosa and Catherine Bremner bring unparalleled expertise in technology investment, green finance, and strategic leadership, skills critical for navigating the complexities of the energy transition and delivering systemic change.

Nazo Moosa has a 20-year track record in technology and sustainable finance investment, with experience spanning global firms including Paladin Capital Group, Energy Impact Partners and The Carlyle Group. Nazo’s leadership has driven innovation across enterprise and industrial technologies, while her advisory work at Imperial College London’s Centre for Climate Finance & Investment underscores her strategic insights into the energy sector.

Nazo’s experience serving on the boards of The Arts Council England and The Charity Commission has provided her with valuable strategic insights and cross-sector expertise, which she can effectively leverage to drive innovation and impact in the energy sector.

Nazo Moosa, Managing Director, Paladin Capital Group said of her appointment:

“I am delighted to join the board of this most valuable of organisations. The Catapult propels innovation by supporting entrepreneurs and creating that critical bridge between policy and the broader business community. I look forward to using my experience as a tech investor to help startups prepare for commercialisation.”

Catherine Bremner brings over 25 years of extensive expertise in green finance, policy, and sustainable development to the Catapult. Catherine has been Chief Strategy Officer at Impax Asset Management, overseeing corporate and digital strategies, including data and AI integration. Previously, Catherine led the international energy and £2.5 billion Climate Finance programme as Director at the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy.

Her global experience includes senior roles at the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group, Low Carbon Australia, and the Carbon Trust. This experience is complemented by her time at the Met Office where she sits on the Board and is the Chair of the Remuneration Committee.

Catherine Bremner, Chief Strategy Officer, Impax Asset Management, commented:

“Energy Systems Catapult is at the forefront of developing new industry in the UK, supporting jobs and growth in achieving the UK’s Net Zero targets. I am delighted to have been appointed to the Board. Using my experience in Net Zero, and across both public and finance sectors, I’m looking forward to supporting the organisation through this exciting period of its development.”

Dr Alan Whitehead served as Labour MP for Southampton Test between 1997 and 2024. His parliamentary service encompassed a range of appointments and posts, including Parliamentary Undersecretary in the Department of Environment, Transport and the regions between 2001-2002, membership of The Energy and Climate Change Select Committee 2009-2015, and from 2016 to 2024 as Shadow Minister for Energy Security.

Prior to his election as an MP, Alan was Leader of Southampton City Council, and Professor of Public Policy and Administration at Southampton Institute. Alan is currently a Fellow of the Energy Institute, Visiting Professor in the Engineering Faculty at Southampton University and a Governor of Southampton Solent University.

Dr Alan Whitehead, said of his appointment:

“I have always had a very high regard for the work of Energy Systems Catapult which has substantially guided me in my past role as Shadow Energy Minister. To help shape the the Catapult’s work as the new government develops its long term, low carbon energy strategy is a great privilege for me.”

Dr. Tony Cocker, Chair of Energy Systems Catapult, commented:

“The combined expertise that Nazo, Catherine, and Alan bring to the Board represents a significant step forward in our ability to guide the UK’s energy transition.

“Nazo’s extensive experience in technology and investment will be invaluable as we seek to advance innovations that make the energy system smarter and more sustainable. Catherine’s leadership in green finance and policy will help us navigate the challenges of scaling these solutions within the context of a global energy transition.

“Alan’s decades of experience in government, energy policy, and academia will strengthen our ability to shape and advocate for the policies and strategies needed to drive the transition to a secure, Net Zero energy system.”

Guy Newey, Chief Executive Officer of Energy Systems Catapult, said:

“The Catapult’s mission is to help innovators large and small thrive in the future energy system. Doing so requires a breadth of expertise, ranging from bespoke support for SMEs, to ‘whole system’ policy design.

“Nazo’s proven ability to identify and scale transformative technologies aligns with our ambition to help energy innovators grow. Catherine’s deep knowledge of climate finance, her policy expertise and her leadership in shaping Net Zero strategies will enhance our capacity to support the wider sector as it shifts to a clean energy future.

“Alan’s unparalleled insight from his time as an MP, Shadow Minister for Energy Security, and academic leader will be instrumental in connecting our work with the evolving energy policy landscape.”

These appointments underscore the Catapult’s commitment to assembling a diverse team of industry-leading experts to tackle the challenges of the energy transition and foster innovation in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Nazo and Catherine will take their places on the Board in January 2025.