Kensa announces new CEO as Lomax steps down

UK: Matthew Trewhella, has been appointed CEO of ground-source heat pump manufacturer Kensa, replacing long-time CEO Simon Lomax, who is stepping down due to health reasons.

Trewhella joined Kensa Contracting in 2013 as contract manager, progressing through a number of roles to MD of the company’s installation arm in 2019.

The Kensa Group has also taken the opportunity to further strengthen the board with the appointment of Kensa Heat Pumps MD James Standley as chief operating officer. Lomax will support the leadership transition and serve as a strategic advisor to the Kensa Group board to provide continuity in client and business development activities. 

Under Lomax’s leadership, Kensa has grown to market leader with Kensa Heat Pumps manufacturing almost 50% of all the ground source heat pumps sold in the UK in 2021.  In addition, Lomax was heavily involved in the creation of Kensa Contracting, a specialist networked heat pump installation business, and, more recently, Kensa Utilities, a business set up to fund, own and maintain the underground infrastructure associated with ground source heat pump technology. He served as chair of the Ground Source Heat Pump Association from 2013 to 2016.

“Having joined Kensa in 2007, it has been a privilege to head up the Kensa Group and play a part in the incredible journey to our present status as the UK’s leading supplier and installer of ground source heat pumps,” Simon Lomax said.

“The company is well-placed to take advantage of the opportunities, but my uncertain health means I would like to spend my time in a more leisurely way.  That said, I am pleased that I will have a continuing role as a strategic advisor,” he added.

Commenting on Lomax’s retirement, company chair Lord Taylor of Goss Moor said: “Nobody has been more responsible for Kensa’s success than Simon. With fierce determination, he has found a way to deliver exceptional outcomes for staff, customers, supply chain partners and shareholders and he has relentlessly advocated for the technology and challenged conventional thinking. 

“In the past few years, Simon has battled cancer with equal determination, and I hope he enjoys a thoroughly deserved retirement.”