First Utility makes senior comms hires

Amanda Cumine has joined First Utility as corporate communications director. The gas and electricity supplier has also hired a new head of public affairs, Tara Singh.

Cumine joins from a European corporate comms director role at Lastminute.com, while Singh has been working on Zac Goldsmith’s mayoral campaign and at Number 10 as an energy and environment special adviser for David Cameron.

In the newly-created corporate comms director role, Cumine will develop and drive the company’s strategy, with a specific remit to build upon its status as a challenger brand. She will also help to build the brand’s profile among its many stakeholders.

Ian McCaig, CEO at First Utility, said: “We are delighted to have someone of Amanda’s calibre join the organisation. Her skills and values are a great fit for First Utility and her contribution will be critical to shaping our public engagement strategy going forward. She brings with her a wealth of experience in all aspects of comms gained from senior roles in the private and public sector.”

The head of public affairs role is also new, and Singh has been asked to lead strategic campaigns to help shape government policy and stakeholder opinion.

McCaig added: “Tara brings with her a wealth of business and political knowledge as well as a significant background in energy policy. First Utility is constantly looking at ways it can challenge the current status quo of the energy market and how it can impact policy and change the industry by informing and empowering customers. Tara will help us clearly articulate our policy messages to those with the power to implement change.”

First Utility has previously focused on positioning itself as an innovator in the energy industry, while championing its own status as an independent provider, a challenger brand and an alternative to the ‘Big Six’ energy suppliers.