Transport and energy specialist Cenex has appointed Dennis Hayter as chairman.

Mr Hayter, who has been a director of the not-for-profit consultancy since 2013, succeeds Brendan Connor who served from October 2005. Mr Connor will remain on the Cenex Board as a non-executive director.

Robert Evans, Cenex CEO, said: 'In transitioning to the role of chairman, Dennis brings a wide corporate and international business background including experience in low and zero carbon technology development, deployment and commercialisation across multiple markets and applications. 

'He is a highly successful and accomplished leader and I am delighted to have him serve as our next chairman. His profound knowledge and understanding of our industry will be a tremendous asset'

Dennis Hayter was involved in founding the UK fuel cell power technology company Intelligent Energy in 2001, where he served as vice president until 2015. He is currently the vice chair of the Hydrogen London group, chair of the UK H2Mobility grouping; and a director of the USA Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA) and H2USA.

An Economist by profession, Dennis has also been a practice leader at global consulting firms Booz Allen & Hamilton and AT Kearney, a partner with Roland Berger & Partners Strategy Consultants, managing director of MERC (Netherlands) and founder of MDS Transmodal.

Dennis Hayter said: 'Since its formation in 2005, Cenex has helped deliver a range of innovation support activities focused on assisting UK companies to take forward research, development and demonstration projects for low carbon vehicle technologies.

'I am delighted and privileged to take on this role at a time when the further introduction of low and zero carbon vehicles into wider transport, energy and fuelling networks is bringing a new set of challenges and opportunities, and I look forward to contributing to the direction, vision and strategy of such a reputable company'

Robert Evans added: 'On behalf of the entire team at Cenex, I would like to thank Brendan for his loyalty, leadership and support over the past 13 years.

'Under his guidance, Cenex has undergone significant transformation and growth, hallmarks of his great chairmanship. We are grateful to have him remain on the Cenex Board as a non-executive director'