Welsh retrofit specialist Sero appoints new chair

Cardiff-based retrofit specialist Sero has appointed Laura Sandys CBE as its new chair.

Picture: Sero

Ms Sandys has transitioned from her role as non-executive director of Sero to chair of the board. The move signals a deeper level of commitment and involvement, Sero said, reflecting Laura’s “growing investment in the company’s mission” to accelerate the transformation of the UK’s social housing retrofit efforts.

She has over 20 years of experience in the energy sector driving electrification of the energy grid. She has been particularly focused on creating customer-centric solutions for the transition to net zero, and her expertise will now play a more hands-on role in Sero’s strategic direction and operations.

As chair, Ms Sandys will oversee Sero’s work in the social housing sector, specifically focusing on energy-as-a-service solutions to improve energy efficiency and reduce fuel poverty.

She currently chairs The Green Alliance and has been an advisor to the International Energy Agency on smart grids. Her experience also includes being a former member of the UK government’s energy efficiency taskforce, where she chaired the domestic efficiency working group, including efforts on retrofit strategies.

In addition to her work in energy, Ms Sandys is passionate about tackling social issues such as food and fuel poverty. As the founder and chair of The Food Foundation, she advocates for policies that support low-income households and strives for sustainable systems that improve public health, well-being, and fuel poverty.

James Williams, co-founder and chief executive of Sero, said: “Laura’s contributions over the last six months as non-executive director have been invaluable. We have witnessed her deep industry knowledge and strategic vision firsthand, and we are excited that she has agreed to step into the chair role.

“This transition marks an important milestone in our partnership. With her wealth of experience and connections, we are confident that Sero will continue to make great strides in our mission to create a more sustainable, affordable energy future for all.”

Ms Sandys said: “My time with the Sero team so far has been both exciting and enlightening. I’ve been inspired by the company’s commitment to retrofitting social housing and addressing energy efficiency for those who need it most.

“I am eager to take on this more involved role and work together to reduce energy bills, tackle fuel poverty, and drive the transition to cleaner, more affordable energy for social housing residents.”