ChargeUK has appointed its first CEO as the EV charging association marks the culmination of its first year.

Vicky Read, ChargeUK CEO

Vicky Read takes up the role, joining from Connected Kerb where she was head of policy and public affairs.

Founded in April 2023 with 20 members, ChargeUK has doubled to 40 members in its first year, comprising the companies responsible for the majority of charge points operating in the UK today, as well as charging manufacturers and others working to support the roll out of charging infrastructure.

Read, who already held the position of ChargeUK’s inaugural vice chair between April 2023 and March 2024, said: “The UK is at key point in its transition to electric vehicles. As the voice for one of the sectors making that transition happen, ChargeUK has a vital role to play.

“Our members are already delivering exponential growth in charge point availability and have committed to invest billions of pounds more in the coming years, enabling all drivers to have access to the charging solutions they need.

“I’m looking forward to building on ChargeUK’s work with our partners in government and across the energy and transport ecosystem, to further improve availability and consumer experience, so that the UK can switch to electric vehicles with confidence.”

Chris Pateman-Jones, chair of the board of ChargeUK, and Steve Dunlop, vice chair for operations, said: “The appointment of a permanent CEO demonstrates the next chapter in the growth of ChargeUK and the scale of our ambition.

“In this election year, whoever forms the next government will need to match that ambition as more and more electric vehicles take to the roads.

“ChargeUK members are committed to providing convenient and affordable charging for all drivers as they make the switch to EVs.”