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Board of Directors

Duncan McCombie
Chief Executive

Duncan became Chief Executive of YES Energy Solutions in November 2016, taking over from Andrew Herbert. With extensive experience in the energy efficiency industry, Duncan was the ideal appointment to build on the company’s commercial impact and social purpose.

He has worked across the utility sector in a variety of senior positions, including key roles at Thames Water, Energy & Utility Skills and the Consumer Council for Water. More recently, Duncan was Director of Operations at the Energy Saving Trust in Wales and Ireland, where he led the organisation to a sustainable long term commercial future following a significant reduction in government funding.

His Civil Engineer background and qualifications have provided him with a diverse career, working across engineering, customer service and regulation. Whereas his expert knowledge, experience and friendly persona has made him a key industry spokesperson, having contributed to topical TV and radio broadcasts from Orkney to New Zealand.

Duncan’s passion for delivering sustainable improvements provides real tangible benefits for people, businesses and communities and also embeds positive change in the culture of the organisations in which he works.

Janet Russell OBE
Temporary Chair

Janet is Director of her own company providing strategic advice on the environment and regulation. She joined the board in 2011 in retirement from Kirklees Council, where she was Director of Environment, Transport and Property.

Janet has been a member of several national task forces (including: Better Regulation and Reducing Red Tape) and admits to holding a season ticket at Elland Road for over 35 years.

Dr Philip Webber
Non-Executive Director

Philip is a well-respected UK practitioner in the low carbon and environmental agendas. He managed the Kirklees Environment Unit for 20 years, which achieved many top UK awards including Ashden and Green Apple.

He has an in-depth practical experience of delivering and managing large scale environmental programmes. Philip is also a visiting Professor at Leeds University and works with the Centre for Low Carbon Futures (Universities of Hull, Leeds, Sheffield and York) and Centre for Climate Change Economics and Policy (Leeds, LSE).

He is currently working on developing the mini Stern models, working towards a national energy data base and other low carbon investment approaches.

Stephen Cirell
Non-Executive Director

Stephen has worked in the Public Sector for almost 30 years, both via in house service and from the private sector. Formerly an in-house lawyer, and then a Partner with Eversheds, Stephen is one of the most well known experts on local government law and is nationally known for his writing on many different areas, being the author of over 15 books on Local Government Law, spanning over two decades.

Stephen created a new business in Autumn 2010 following a highly successful year in Cornwall Council as the lead director on Climate Change. He now specialises in the creation of a low carbon economy, through emissions reduction schemes and renewable or clean energy projects.

You can follow Stephen on Twitter at @stephencirell

Carol Hardy
Non-Executive Director

Carol is a qualified Chartered Accountant who started her career in public practice with Grant Thornton and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

A move into industry followed with roles at NG Bailey, the UK's leading independent engineering, IT and facilities services business. After 5 years working as a Finance Director within the Financial Services sector, she now provides accounting services and advice to small, owner managed businesses.

Carol joined the Board in February 2017. She brings a wealth of experience from other industries which complement the skills of the existing Board Members.

Keith Watson
Non-Executive Director

Keith joined the board of directors due to his previous experience in leading SME’s and close work with local and central government as well as water and energy utility companies. These experiences combined with his involvement in setting up/delivering retrofitting of homes to improve energy efficiency made him the ideal member to join the board.

He has had many roles valuable to his current position at YES including but not limited to Chairman & Director MCP Environmental Engineering Ltd, Regional Director Mowlem PLC and Managing Director Morgan Sindall PLC. These roles are particularly useful when combined with his leadership expertise in helping companies through stages of growth and maturity.

Keith’s ability and passion for addressing fuel poverty and reducing carbon from buildings energy consumption benefits YES in their green and gracious goals to help people and the environment.