Chris Lovatt appointed as new CEO

The Data Communications Company (DCC) has today announced that Chris Lovatt has been appointed as its new CEO and will join in March 2025.

Chris will join DCC from energy supplier E.ON where he held the role of Chief Operating Officer, Energy Infrastructure Solutions and Home Energy Services. As part of this role, his team served 8 million residential and business customers and was accountable for the national rollout and delivery of over 6 million smart meters. He has played a leading role in E.ON’s smart metering agenda since 2011, having originally joined the company in 2008 as their UK Supply Chain Director. 

Richard McCarthy, Chair of the DCC Board, confirmed the appointment of Chris today. Richard said, “I am delighted to announce that Chris Lovatt has been appointed as CEO, starting formally on Monday 10 March 2025. He has a wealth of experience in the energy sector, most notably in smart metering, as well as having a passion for customers and people. Chris also brings a strong sense of purpose and is very much looking forward to helping us make Britain more connected, so we can all live smarter, greener lives. He is ideally placed to lead DCC through the next stage of our journey.”

Commenting on his appointment, Chris Lovatt said, “I am passionate about helping Britain achieve its Net Zero goal and delighted to lead an organisation such as DCC where its people are so united behind this agenda. As Britain looks to deliver clean and affordable energy, smart metering and the national network operated by DCC have a central role to play. I am very much looking forward to getting involved in the new year.”

To ensure a smooth transition, interim CEO Colin Sempill will remain with DCC until Chris joins next March.