Cenex - the UK’s first Centre of Excellence for low carbon technologies – has announced the appointment of Keith Budden, as head of business development.

In his new role, Budden aims to capitalise on Cenex’s expertise in low carbon technology to help support both private and public sector organisations deliver green growth. 

Prior to joining Cenex, he worked for E.ON where he led on the development and management of sustainable city partnerships in the South of the UK.

Through a partnership approach he helped achieve carbon reductions through decentralised energy schemes, renewable and energy efficiency programmes which created local jobs and tackled fuel poverty.

More recently, he was also responsible for leading on E.ON’s domestic Energy Company Obligation programme in the West Midlands.

During his career, he helped established, Birmingham Energy Savers, which delivers renewable energy and housing retrofit schemes for Birmingham City Council. 

Whilst working for the city council he also managed and developed Birmingham City Council’s commercial waste and domestic recycling programme. 

He developed and delivered a new business model which increased both commercial recycling rates and income generation.

Budden was thus invited to become a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in 2006 in recognition of his work in tackling climate change and in 2010 he was named as one of the West Midlands Green Leaders.

Robert Evans, CEO of Cenex, said: “Keith brings exceptional expertise and understanding of the low carbon vehicle sector to Cenex and we are excited to have him on board to drive our business growth going forward.

“Cenex understands the importance of investing in the right people and I strongly believe that Keith has what it takes to not only grow our business, but to make it even stronger and better. We welcome him to the team and we look forward to working with him.”

Budden holds board memberships on the Midlands Region of Climate KIC, Groundwork West Midlands and Sustainability West Midlands. He is also an advisor to the University of Birmingham Liveable Cities programme.