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Robin Bidwell re-appointed to Gas and Electricity Markets Authority

DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENTERPRISE AND REGULATORY REFORM News Release (2008/068) issued by The Government News Network on 31 March 2008

Dr Robin Bidwell is today re-appointed as a Non-Executive Director of the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority (GEMA) for a third term. He was first appointed in 2003.

The Gas and Electricity Markets Authority governs the direction and policies of the gas and electricity watchdog Ofgem. Non-Executive members bring a range of experience and expertise from industry and social policy to the environment, finance and Europe.

Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks welcomed the appointment saying:

"Robin has exceptional skills and experience in sustainable development which is becoming increasingly important for secure gas and electricity supply for the UK. He has already made a great contribution to the work of GEMA over the last four years and I am pleased that he will continue to do so for a third term"

Dr Bidwell is chairman of Environmental Resources Management (ERM), a London based environmental management consultancy which over the last 30 years he has built into a global company employing 3000 staff in around 40 countries.

In addition to advising industry and Government on sustainable development and environmental management issues, Dr Bidwell is a Council member of the World Business Council on Sustainable Development (WBCSD), an advisor to the Prince of Wales International Business Leader's Forum, a trustee of the Green Alliance and a member of the European Union's High Level group on Competitiveness, Energy and the Environment. Dr Bidwell received a CBE in 1999 for services to the environment.

Notes to Editors:

1. Dr Robin Bidwell was appointed to serve a three year term as Non-Executive Director to GEMA in February 2003, and was re-appointed for a further two years in February 2006.

2. Under the Utilities Act 2000, the Secretary of State appoints members to the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority (GEMA). Before making these appointments he must consult the Chairman of GEMA. (Currently Sir John Mogg).

3. The Office of Gas and Electricity markets (Ofgem) operates under the direction and governance of GEMA, which determines the strategy and decides on major policy issues. GEMA's principal objective is to protect the interests of consumers, wherever appropriate by promoting effective competition.

4. Further information on GEMA can be found on the Ofgem website: http://www.ofgem.gov.uk

5. Biographical information on Dr Robin Bidwell can also be found on the Ofgem site at: http://www.ofgem.gov.uk

6. The Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform helps UK business succeed in an increasingly competitive world. It promotes business growth and a strong enterprise economy, leads the better regulation agenda and champions free and fair markets. It is the shareholder in a number of Government-owned assets and it works to secure, clean and competitively priced energy supplies

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