OVO has announced the appointment of Chris Houghton as the new CEO of its retail energy business, effective Wednesday, November 5th, 2025. Houghton, a seasoned industry veteran, returns to OVO with extensive experience in the energy sector and a deep understanding of the company’s operations and customer base. This leadership change comes as David Buttress steps down from his role, with the company expressing gratitude for his contributions.
Key Takeaways
- Chris Houghton returns to OVO as CEO of its retail energy business.
- David Buttress steps down after a period of commitment to OVO’s employees and customers.
- James Davies, CFO, also departs the company.
- Houghton previously served as CFO and CEO of OVO from 2014-2018.
- The company aims for disciplined operational performance and exceptional customer service under new leadership.
A Familiar Face at the Helm
Chris Houghton brings over two decades of experience in the energy sector, including a previous tenure at OVO where he served as CFO and CEO between 2014 and 2018. During his prior leadership, OVO was recognised for its customer service, innovation, and digital offerings, establishing itself as a trusted name in the energy market. Houghton’s return is seen as a strategic move to navigate the rapidly evolving energy landscape.
Transition and Future Outlook
David Buttress, in his statement, expressed pride in the progress made during his leadership and thanked the OVO team for their dedication. He wished Houghton and the team success in OVO’s future endeavours. Dame Jayne-Anne Gadhia, Independent Chair of OVO, highlighted the importance of agility and innovation in the current market and expressed confidence in Houghton’s ability to lead the company through this pivotal period. Houghton himself conveyed his enthusiasm for returning and his commitment to building an even stronger OVO through focus, discipline, and a dedication to customer service.
Houghton’s Extensive Experience
Houghton’s career includes significant roles in scaling and transforming consumer businesses within regulated markets. Before his initial role at OVO, he spent six years as Finance Director at Telecom Plus PLC (Utility Warehouse), contributing to its growth into a FTSE 250 company. More recently, he has been involved with Alfred Wholesale, an innovative multi-utility start-up, and has held CEO positions at egg Solutions and Teemill Tech.
