ChargeUK appoints first non-executive chair

Iain Coucher to take up new role at growing industry trade association ChargeUK, the voice of the UK’s EV charging sector, has appointed its first non-executive chair.

Iain Coucher will take up the role from 3 September, taking over from the existing Chair, Chris Pateman-Jones. Iain is currently the chair of the Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat). He started his career as an engineer and his CV includes stints as chief executive of Network Rail as well as serving as a non-executive director of the UK’s largest gas distribution network. He has a passion for environmental issues, especially climate change. He has been a trustee of Earthwatch and of the British Trust for Ornithology.   

The appointment marks another step in the growth of ChargeUK and the EV charging sector.

ChargeUK was established with 18 members in 2023 and now has over 40 members. The public network has grown rapidly in that time and now stands at over 85,000 public charge points. Combined with over a million home and workplace chargers, the network is capable of powering every EV in the country to drive from Aberdeen to London every day.

New ChargeUK Chair, Iain Coucher said, “The EV charging sector is a UK success story. ChargeUK members can be proud of the efforts they have put in to get our country to where it is today, at the forefront of the transition to electric transport.

“However, I’m keenly aware that there is still much work to be done to ensure that ChargeUK members can go further and faster and that the UK reaps all the benefits they can bring in terms of investment, the transition to clean energy and Net Zero transport and in supporting the automotive sector through the switch to EVs.

“This is an exciting industry and a vital part of UK infrastructure and future economic growth. I’m honoured and proud to take this new role driving its future.”

Outgoing ChargeUK Chair, Chris Pateman-Jones said, “ChargeUK goes from strength to strength and this is yet another indicator of that.

“Iain comes with a proven track record and a broad skill set which will enhance ChargeUK. He has been trusted by Government to fix some of the most intractable challenges in infrastructure.

“Iain has been appointed after an extensive and thorough recruitment process. Throughout that process, his huge experience in guiding and delivering infrastructure and his deep understanding of the conditions necessary to ensure success shone through. 

“I’m excited to hand over to someone who has such a strong track record and who will only make ChargeUK even more effective to the benefit of our members, the sector and society more widely.”

Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK, said, “This is another milestone for our organisation. ChargeUK members are already delivering crucial infrastructure ahead of demand, with today’s announcement that there are now over 85,000 public charge points in the UK further proof of this. I'm looking forward to working with Iain as we look to create the conditions the sector needs to continue this growth and make charging as convenient and affordable as possible.”