British Gas boss resigns

The boss of British Gas, Chris Weston, has today handed in his resignation after only 15 months in charge.

Weston, who is the managing director of Centrica’s international downstream division, including British Gas and US-based Direct Energy, will leave to become the chief executive of power solutions provider Aggreko.

The departing director, who only took up the role in February 2013, is subject to a 12 month notice period and Centrica will make a further announcement “in due course regarding the timing of Chris’ departure and succession”.

Sam Laidlaw, chief executive of Centrica, said: “Chris has made an important contribution to Centrica over 11 years, leading a number of our businesses, in the UK and North America.

“We will be sorry to see him leave, but recognise that Aggreko offers a great opportunity for him.”

The departure comes after Centrica announced in January its chief finance officer, Nick Luff, would be leaving the company by the end of the year, and rumours that chief executive Sam Laidlaw is also set to leave.

It has been reported that Centrica is in discussions with Ian Conn, chief executive of the downstream business at BP, to become Centrica’s new chief executive.

Investment bank Citi stated: “We are not surprised by other members of senior management at Centrica looking to move given the pressures across Centrica’s business and the overhang of the CMA enquiry.

“With finance director Nick Luff due to leave by the end of the year, we think it would be logical to appoint a new management team altogether if further departures are expected.”