Motive Fuels, an equal joint venture between Sheffield-based clean energy company ITM Power and Vitol, has appointed Jean-Marc Gales as CEO from the end of January next year.
Jean-Marc has spent 30 years in the automotive industry and brings a wealth of technical, design, engineering, commercial and sales experience as a very senior executive, most recently serving as Chairman of Williams Advanced Engineering before its sale to Fortescue. In a distinguished career, Jean-Marc led the successful turnaround of Lotus as CEO. He was a former CEO of Peugeot and Citroen, where he delivered a new product portfolio, and CEO of CLEPA, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers.
Sir Roger Bone, Chairman of Motive Fuels and of ITM Power, said: “Jean-Marc’s experience in the sale of Williams Advanced Engineering to Fortescue demonstrate his passion for hydrogen mobility. ITM Power and Vitol look forward to working with Jean-Marc, a true automotive expert, in transitioning large vehicle mobility towards a cleaner, greener future.”
Sir Alan Duncan, Co-Chair of Motive Fuels and Business Development at Vitol, said:“Motive Fuels is very fortunate to have been able to appoint Jean-Marc as its CEO. His great wealth of experience in the automotive sector, and his track-record of building up companies, are perfect for developing Motive. As we pioneer hydrogen for heavy transport, his appointment puts the company in a strong position to succeed and establish itself as a leading force in the sector.”
Mr Gales added: “The interest in green hydrogen has been rising across the globe and the clean energy transition away from fossil fuels is rapidly gaining pace. The best hydrogen fuel potential in the future is the transportation sector, specifically medium and heavy duty trucks. I am looking forward to working with the teams of Motive, ITM Power, and Vitol to accelerate the transition of heavy transport to clean renewable hydrogen fuel, and lead the company into the next chapter of development and growth.”
