Calisen appoints chief technology officer

Manchester-based smart meter provider Calisen Group has appointed Dr Diane Bitzel as its first chief technology officer.

Diane brings extensive experience across manufacturing, life sciences and telecommunications, most recently serving as chief digital and information officer at Vodafone. 

She has a strong track record in delivering large-scale technology transformation and building data and analytics capabilities.

In her new role, she will lead Calisen’s technology strategy, including the integration of its data and analytics function into a unified team supporting nationwide operations.

Diane said: “I started my career working on the modernisation of the metering system in Italy, the first country to take this bold step over thirty years ago. 

“In recent years, we have seen this clever technology become the vehicle for a radical transformation of energy supply in the home such as tapping into flexible tariffs and enabling the national storage of power. 

“However, we are only scratching the surface of innovation in smart meter data. 

“It is fantastic to have the opportunity to work with the UK’s largest smart meter provider and develop ways we can improve consumers’ lives and reach the full potential of this important system.”

Diane’s appointment follows a series of senior board hires and reflects Calisen’s focus on innovation and growth as the energy transition accelerates.

Catherine O’Kelly, chief executive of Calisen, added: “Diane’s pre-eminence in her field is well proven, with a brilliant track record of identifying commercial use cases for data analytics that improve customer experience and grow businesses. 

“The UK’s smart meter system is an important asset which has the potential to transform the use of energy in the home, making it more tailored, more convenient and more affordable. 

“It also gives consumers the key to energy independence via low carbon technologies such as solar and battery. 

“We are so excited to have Diane on board as we take smart metering to the next level.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.