SMS appoints Chris Thewlis as Chief Operating Officer

London, UK – 23 July 2025 SMS is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Thewlis as Chief Operating Officer, who brings more than two decades of senior experience across the energy, utilities, and financial services sectors.

Chris has an outstanding track record in leading large-scale operational transformation, driving commercial performance, and delivering excellent service for customers. He joins SMS from M&G plc, where he served as Chief Technology Officer, playing a central role in delivering the company’s enterprise-wide technology and transformation agenda. Prior to that, Chris spent nearly 15 years at npower, where he held a series of senior positions including Chief Operating Officer, Director of Customer Service & Sales, and Director of Smart Metering.

Chris’s appointment follows the recent acquisition of SMS, Horizon, and SMA by global investment firm KKR, and supports the next phase of strategic and operational integration across the group’s energy infrastructure businesses.

On the appointment, Tim Mortlock, Chief Executive Officer at SMS, said:

We’re thrilled to welcome Chris to our leadership team. His depth of experience in energy operations, customer transformation and strategic delivery makes him uniquely well-placed to help shape the next chapter of SMS. Chris will play a vital role as we bring together our businesses under a single, integrated group strategy – and accelerate our progress toward a smarter, net-zero energy system.

Chris added:

SMS has the scale, ambition, and capability to lead the transition to smarter, more sustainable energy infrastructure across the UK and Europe. I’m excited to be joining at such a defining moment – and to work with the team to unlock the full potential of our people, our platforms, and our customers.

About SMS

SMS is a leading provider of smart energy solutions, delivering infrastructure and services that support the transition to net-zero across the UK and Europe. Through its portfolio of companies, SMS works across metering, energy data, carbon reduction, and energy infrastructure investment.

Media Contact

Mario Macan
Head of Group Marketing
0141 249 3850
mario.macan@smsenergy.com