News

A message from our Chief Executive about a change in leadership at Community Energy England

9 December 2025

After 11 years of tremendous privilege serving as the Chief Executive of Community Energy England, I have made the decision to step down from this role, with an effective date of 31 March 2026.

This decision comes after considerable reflection and with gratitude for the opportunity to lead this organisation and serve each of you. While it is bittersweet to step away from work that I love and relationships I treasure, I am confident this is the right time for both personal reasons and for CEE to benefit from fresh leadership and new perspectives.

Next steps

CEE’s board has set up a Transition Committee to ensure that there is a smooth, planned, and professional transition to the new CEO.

With the support of Disrupt Recruitment Agency they will be conducting a thorough search for the new CEO. You can find more details about the post here. Please do share with anyone in your networks who you think would be well placed to take up this opportunity.
In the meantime, all of our services, projects, and member support will continue without interruption. I will be fully focussed through to the end of March on maintaining our strategic momentum and ensuring that the new CEO has a strong foundation to build upon so that they can hit the ground running.

I am excited about CEE’s future. The next CEO will inherit an organisation that is purpose-driven, impactful, and collaborative, helping to lead a sector that is on the cusp of momentous change. Most importantly, they will have the privilege of working with and for you – a membership that inspires, challenges, and motivates us to do our best work every day.
Over the coming months, you’ll hear more from me and the Board about the search process and transition plans. If you have questions, concerns, or would like to discuss the CEO advert, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at emma.bridge@communityenergyengland.org or to any of our board.

It has been an honour to serve as your sector body’s chief executive. Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your support. I look forward to watching CEE and the sector reach new heights under fresh leadership, and I will always be a champion for the important work you all do.

With deep gratitude and optimism for the future,

Emma Bridge