UK renewable energy developer Anesco has hired former Centrica legal director and associate general counsel Vicky Wells as its first GC to strengthen its senior leadership team.

Wells brings with her more than 18 years of legal experience in the energy and power sectors, and will be responsible for Anesco’s entire legal function and providing guidance on legal issues that impact the business.

Mark Futyan, CEO of Anesco, said: “Vicky is a highly qualified and experienced legal professional, who will be an asset to Anesco. She joins us at an exciting time, as we press ahead with a strong project pipeline and growing interest for our operational phase O&M (operations and maintenance) and revenue optimisation services.”

Prior to joining Anesco, Wells spent two years at venture capital fund Entrepreneur First where she was interim GC and VP of operations. Before that, she spent almost nine years at Centrica in a variety of roles including associate GC, legal director and head of legal for its power and renewables business. She started her career at Magic Circle firm Clifford Chance, where she worked for eight years in London and Sao Paolo.

Wells said: “I’ve always been passionate about putting my legal skills to good use, to try and make a positive difference in the world, so I’m thrilled to join Anesco – a company that’s committed to driving the transition to renewable energy.”

Reading-based Anesco has constructed more than 100 solar farms and 30 energy storage facilities and its operations and maintenance team oversees more than 24,000 assets.

Wells added: “Being a fast-moving business presents some challenges, particularly in relation to balancing the requirements of growth projects with day-to-day operations, but I’m looking forward to working closely with the senior team to support the company’s future growth.”

With the increased global focus on climate change and the need for both businesses and governments to cut carbon emissions, some firms have been ramping up their renewables focus. Back in April, Ashurst hired a trio of renewable energy lawyers from Baker McKenzie in Australia, while in March, Allen & Overy opened in Los Angeles with the arrival of a six-partner renewables team from Akin Gump.