Guernsey Electricity Limited (GEL) has appointed Julian Critchlow as Chair of its Board of Directors following the retirement of Peter Shaefer.
Julian brings over 40 years of experience in the energy industry to the Board. He has enjoyed a long career in government and energy consulting, with extensive Board governance experience across major global energy players and a deep understanding of energy transition including policy, regulation, strategy, government and stakeholder engagement.
Most recently Julian was the Director General, Energy Transformation and Clean Growth at the UK government Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, where he was responsible for cross-government action to deliver net zero domestically and internationally.
Julian took on his new role on 12th August 2025, replacing Peter, who has been part of the non-executive team for seven years, of which three as Chair.
GEL Chief Executive Officer Alan Bates commented: “I am delighted that Julian has joined the Board as Chair of the Board of Directors. He brings a wealth of industry experience both in the UK and internationally and I look forward to working closely with him on our key business priorities.
“I would also like to thank Peter for his time as Chair. Under his leadership the Board has overseen a significant increase in capital investment in our electricity infrastructure to ensure it remains fit for purpose, set out our strategic vision for the delivery of the States’ Electricity Strategy and also steered the business safely through the recent volatility in the international energy market.”
Outgoing Chair, Peter Schaefer, said: “Over the last seven years it has been a privilege to be part of the Guernsey Electricity team, keeping the lights on and shielding the community, as much as possible, from the recent erratic pricing of the global energy market. The recent tariff increases have allowed the business to start catching up on long overdue critical infrastructure investment. Under the STSB’s zero dividend policy, any profits made continue to be reinvested into the business.
“I leave behind an extremely talented and committed organisation at Guernsey Electricity, led by a highly competent and dedicated management team and board of directors. Having got to know Julian well over the last eight months, GEL is fortunate to have him as its new Chair. He brings a wealth of industry and government experience, which will be key in guiding the company through the implementation of the electricity strategy.“
Prior to joining the UK civil service, Julian was a director in the London office of Bain & Company. As head of Bain’s Global Utilities & Alternative Energy Practice, he worked with senior executives in leading utilities around the world on their key strategic, operational and organisational issues. He also led Bain’s work with the World Economic Forum on the Future of Electricity and was a member of the Global Future Council on the Future of Energy.
Julian is an Advisory Partner with Bain & Company, working with clients globally to navigate the Energy and Carbon Transition. He is also a non-executive director of Nyobolt, a Cambridge based technology company pioneering fast charging energy storage systems and Chair of the Advisory Board for Cambridge University Centre for Better Futures.
He holds an MBA from the Wharton School of Business and an M.A./M.Eng. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cambridge.
Julian, based in Kent, said: “My focus will be on ensuring we maintain costs as low as possible for our customers as they feel the impact of wider cost of living pressures, whilst also delivering a secure supply of low carbon electricity for Guernsey, as such a beautiful and historic Island deserves.
