Boss switches from fossil fuel to biomass

Aug 11 2009 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

RENEWABLE firm Helius Energy, which builds and runs biomass-fired electricity plants, has appointed Keith Henry as non-executive chairman.

Mr Henry has more than 30 years’ international business experience in the development, financing, ownership, design and construction of electricity, oil and gas, civil and process organisations.

From 2000 to 2003 he was chief executive of Kvaerner plc responsible for the company’s global engineering and construction activities. In 2005, Mr Henry joined the board of stock market-listed oil and gas exploration and production company Burren Energy plc, and was appointed chairman in 2006. In April 2008 he became chairman of AIM-listed oil and gas company Regal Petroleum.

J Barclay Forrest, acting chairman of Middlesbrough company Helius, said: “Keith brings a wealth of experience gained at the highest levels, both as a contractor and as an operator in the power and energy sectors and, more recently, as a non-executive chairman and director on a number of diverse boards.

“He has considerable and proven experience in the development and management of major projects, with an in-depth understanding of the risks associated with different contract strategies. This experience will be highly relevant to Helius.”

Mr Henry said: “I am looking forward to my new role. Helius is a terrific company and the team has achieved a great deal since the IPO in 2007. With the opportunities currently in the market for developing clean generation projects, Helius is well placed to take advantage of this growth.”

After Mr Henry’s appointment Mr Forrest will revert to his previous position as a non executive director.

Managing director John Seed said: “I welcome Keith to the company and look forward to working with him. My sincere thanks to Barclay for his work and advice over the last few months, which have been invaluable.”