Emelita Robbins has been appointed as the new managing director of Jersey Gas.
In taking up the role, she will be responsible for developing the business through a period of significant change, adapting to the changing needs of the island’s energy sector as it transitions to a Net Zero future.
Previously the chief executive of Jersey Hospice Care, Emelita most recently chaired the island’s Citizens’ Assembly on Climate Change. The assembly considered how Jersey should work together to become carbon neutral and produced a report setting out its recommendations in the highest emission producing sectors: transport, heating, cooling and cooking. The majority of its recommendations have been adopted and together with technical evidence and an understanding of what is working well elsewhere form the basis of the Council of Ministers’ recently published strategy for Jersey’s Carbon Neutral Roadmap.
“I am hugely excited to be joining the team at Jersey Gas in the middle of what might be described as an energy revolution,” she said.
“I am passionate about the island community and really looking forward to engaging in the business’ ambitious plans to become more environmentally friendly. This challenge will enable me to stimulate important debate, explore new opportunities and to be part of the Island’s Net Zero solution.”
As chief executive of Jersey Hospice Care Emelita presided over the development of the charity’s relationship with Government and the extension of its services to adults with any life limiting condition and to children and young people. Prior to this she was a lawyer, practising for many years with leading international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills, where she specialised in disputes arising out of large construction and engineering projects. She returned to Jersey in 2012 where she qualified as a Jersey Advocate while working for Ogier.
Jo Cox, CEO of the Islands Energy Group, parent company of Jersey Gas, said: “Appointing Emelita is a big step forward for our ambitions in Jersey, both to diversify our business and to make a significant contribution to reducing the island’s carbon footprint. Her experience as a lawyer, and within the third sector make her a valuable addition to our team and I am really looking forward to working with her.”
