Alex Herschel, a chartered environmental specialist with more than 25 years advising organisations in the energy and public sectors, has been appointed as the new managing director of Guernsey Gas.
Alex was most recently the environmental sustainability manager at Guernsey Electricity, responsible for the development of its environmental sustainability management system and strategy, and advisor to the business on carbon reduction and net zero.
Prior to this she worked with the States of Guernsey, where she authored the 2020 Strategy for Nature for Guernsey – the island’s plan for ensuring local nature is healthy, protected and respected. Alex was also the strategic and technical environmental advisor to the States during the development of the Government Work Plan and the green economy and blue economy support plans.
“Protecting our environment for future generations is very important to me, and I have dedicated my career to getting the know-how and putting it to the best use where I can make the most change through a number of roles and sectors,” she said.
“I am joining the Islands Energy Group at a challenging yet exciting time: a time when energy companies want to – and need to – transition to a low carbon future, in response to environmental needs but also a greater desire from our customers for sustainable living. The Group has pledged its commitment to role model Net Zero and put environmental sustainability at the heart of its business, and it is my privilege to help steer the implementation of this new direction and strategy in Guernsey.
“Along with the long-term aims of diversification into new products, and exploring exciting sources of energy such as green hydrogen, I am also looking forward to working in the short term to reduce the Group’s operational carbon footprint and increase our support for local environmental initiatives. Like any business this requires commitment at every level and what better way to drive change than at the helm of the local Guernsey business.”
On top of her professional role, Alex is a founding member and vice chair of the Guernsey Green Forum and committee member of the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce Sustainable Business Initiative.
Jo Cox, CEO of the Islands Energy Group, parent company of Guernsey Gas, said: “Alex is going to be an immensely valuable voice and leader as we move towards being a more environmentally-friendly business. Her expertise will also enable us to play our part in the island’s Net Zero ambitions.
“As part of our leadership team her influence will be extensive, both in her immediate role as the managing director in Guernsey, but also in helping the whole Group translate our environmental sustainability aspirations into deliverable actions. I’d like to give Alex the warmest welcome to the team and I look forward to working together.”
