Sustainable Energy First appoints Jonquil Hackenberg

Former Ellen MacArthur Foundation chief executive Jonquil Hackenberg has been appointed to the executive team and board at Preston based Sustainable Energy First.

Jonquil joins the sustainability and energy consultancy as chief growth and strategy officer and as a member of its board.

Most recently chief executive of circular economy charity the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, which she joined in 2024, Jonquil was previously chief executive of B Corp consultancy Eunomia and global head of sustainability and climate response at PA Consulting. 

She will lead SE First's commercial function, focusing on strengthening the connection between organisations' environmental, social and governance ambitions and their commercial outcomes, supporting the UK's biggest energy users to optimise energy expenditure and turn net zero commitments into measurable progress, delivering on both cost and environmental pressures. 

Anthony Mayall, managing director of SE First, said: "Jonquil is one of the country’s most respected sustainability leaders, and she shares our conviction that the right low carbon energy decisions are good for the balance sheet and the planet.

"Her strategy, partnerships and growth experience will help us take our clients from ambition to action." 

Jonquil said: "The energy transition and the circular economy are two sides of the same coin. One changes the energy we use, the other reduces how much we need in the first place. Businesses that bring the two together cut costs, carbon and risk at the same time.  

"SE First's extensive client book means it has a detailed view of how energy decisions play out in practice, and what that means for businesses. It has the expertise, client relationships and the values to lead progress on the energy transition, and I'm thrilled to join Anthony and the team."