Why is Chris Houghton Returning as Retail Energy CEO of OVO?

OVO Group has announced the appointment of Chris Houghton as the new CEO of its retail business, marking a key leadership change. 

Chris returns to OVO, having previously served as both CEO and CFO, bringing over 20 years of experience in the energy sector and a strong understanding of the company and its customers. 

He succeeds David Buttress, who, alongside CFO James Davies, has informed the Board of his intention to step down.

Discussing his resignation, David said: “Leading OVO’s retail energy business has been a great privilege and I am proud of the progress we have made in strengthening the business and supporting customers. 

“I’d like to thank everyone at OVO for their dedication. I wish Chris and the team every success as they take OVO forward.”

The Board and David agreed that now is the right time for new leadership to guide OVO through its next chapter. 

His appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the energy sector, as OVO continues to focus on delivering strong operational performance and high-quality service to its customers.

Who is Chris Houghton?

In a post on LinkedIn, Chris said: “Walking back through the OVO doors this morning felt both familiar and energising. Some faces I recognise, many are new, but that sense of purpose that makes OVO so special is unchanged.”

He added: “It’s great to be back.”

Chris has a track record of transforming and scaling energy and technology-enabled consumer businesses. 

During his previous tenure at OVO Energy as CFO and CEO from 2014 to 2018, he was instrumental in building the company into one of the UK’s largest independent energy providers, according to OVO. 

Under his leadership, the company says it earned high customer satisfaction ratings and became known for innovative digital services that set it apart in a competitive market.

Beyond OVO, Chris held senior roles across the energy and utility sectors. He spent six years as Finance Director at Telecom Plus, where he helped the business expand into the FTSE 250 through disciplined financial management and operational execution, according to his LinkedIn profile. 

More recently, he served as CEO at Alfred Wholesale, a multi-utility startup offering home services ‘at cost,’ and held CEO positions at egg, a Liberty Global subsidiary and Teemill Tech, demonstrating his expertise in scaling technology-driven consumer businesses.

Leadership changes at OVO

In March 2024, it was announced that Raman Bhatia, now CEO of Starling Bank, would step down as CEO of OVO after around four years leading the business, having joined as COO in January 2020 and later becoming CEO in March 2022.

Following his departure, David Buttress was appointed CEO, joining OVO in May 2024.

Later in 2025, OVO announced the appointment of Dame Jayne‑Anne Gadhia as Independent Chair of the Board, with her term beginning in September 2025. 

Her arrival marked a shift in governance as the business enters a new chapter of growth and oversight.

Discussing the new CEO, Jayne-Anne said: “As the energy market continues to rapidly evolve, OVO is focussed on disciplined operational performance and exceptional customer service. 

“This leadership change will ensure we approach this new chapter with the agility and innovation we need to best serve our customers. 

“Chris’ track record and deep connection with the company make him ideally situated to lead OVO through this pivotal period.”

His combination of financial acumen and operational leadership positions him to drive growth, innovation and customer-focused performance as he returns to OVO at a pivotal moment for the energy sector.