The founder of the East of England Energy Group (EEEGr), John Best, is to stand down as chief executive.
He will move to an executive management position as head of sustainable energy, UK, with Norfolk-based Fendercare Marine.
EEEGr chairman Alan Barlow said Mr Best would leave a superb legacy and the board wished him every success in the new role.
“He will be exceedingly difficult to replace with his energy and commitment to the energy sector and the region.”
Mr Best told the group’s elected directors of his decision earlier this month and said that being chief executive from day one of EEEGr proved an exciting and privileged position.
“We’ve secured significant profile and success, producing growth as well as substantial value for the regional energy supply chain,” he said.
“None of this could have been achieved without massive support from a whole range of individuals and organisations, for which I will always be grateful.
“One particular moment which will remain with me forever was last year’s reception in the House of Commons as we were praised by Charles Hendry, Energy Minister, for our work in presenting the region through one single voice. It gave me a sense of a 10-year overnight success.”
EEEGr has more than 360 members and was recently involved in winning Enterprise Zone status for Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth and in Government designation of the area as a Centre for Renewable Offshore Engineering.
It is also an active partner in the inward investment initiative NSEA (Norfolk and Suffolk Energy Alliance) while its Skills for Energy Programme was cited by Government as the exemplar for what other regions should be doing.
EEEGr board director and former chairman Mark Goodall said: “The board is very grateful to John for his relentless enthusiasm and persistence.
“He leaves the organisation on a very healthy and sound footing and well prepared to support the growing membership with the exciting opportunities that are beckoning for the region’s energy industry.”
EEEgr will be running its SNS 2012 conference, The Sea of Opportunity, on March 1 in Norwich.
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