Electricity company Globeleq has appointed Alasdair Martin as private customer solutions director, a role positioned at the centre of the independent power company’s strategy to expand private-sector energy partnerships and support the transition to cleaner power in Southern Africa.

In the newly created position, Martin will be responsible for developing and delivering customised power solutions for energy-intensive private customers. His mandate includes originating, structuring and executing long-term power partnerships that enable commercial and industrial clients to secure reliable, cost-effective and more sustainable electricity supply.

The appointment is aimed at strengthening Globeleq’s presence in the commercial energy market as demand grows for alternatives to traditional utility-supplied power.

Globeleq, which is owned by British International Investment and Norfund, said the role is focused on working directly with private offtakers to design energy solutions suited to their operational needs, while supporting broader changes under way in Southern Africa’s electricity sector as it opens up to increased private participation.

Martin has joined Globeleq after nearly 20 years at diversified miner Anglo American, where he held senior leadership roles across energy, innovation and organisational transformation. During his tenure, he led the company’s $3-billion carbon and innovation portfolio, which included the development of renewable-energy ecosystems.

He was also part of the leadership team that established Envusa Energy, the joint venture with EDF Renewables that has played a role in the liberalisation of Southern Africa’s energy market.

Most recently, Martin led the redesign of Anglo American’s operating model, a process the company said delivered transformational value and embedded cultural change across its global operations. His experience also includes developing carbon-neutral strategies, securing investment for large-scale renewable-energy projects, and introducing digital and AI tools to improve operational efficiency.

Globeleq chief development officer John Smelcer said the appointment reflects the changing nature of the regional energy sector and the company’s focus on private-sector solutions.

“Southern Africa’s energy sector is evolving rapidly, creating opportunities for innovative partnerships. Alasdair’s combination of technical depth, commercial insight and sustainability vision will help us deliver tailored solutions to meet the needs of industrial and commercial customers while supporting the region’s energy transition,” he said on January 19.

Martin said his move to Globeleq aligned with his experience and interest in building new-energy systems for the region.

“This is an opportunity to deliver innovative, customer-focused solutions that accelerate the shift to cleaner power and create lasting value for businesses and communities. Globeleq’s commitment to sustainability and partnership resonates strongly with my passion for building resilient energy ecosystems that drive growth and positive impact,” he said.