Wilton & Bain Recruit CEO for Zapgo

Wilton & Bain has placed Steve Leighton (CEO) into Zapgo, a destination focused, EV Charging Infrastructure business. Jay Siddiki a Partner in the Global Tech & Digital Infrastructure practice at Wilton & Bain, led the search.

Steven Leighton, the chairman and former CEO of Macquarie-backed UK fibre operator Voneus, has joined new EV charging provider Zapgo as the CEO. Leighton, who was the CEO of Voneus Broadband for 12 years, was instrumental in the growth of the Internet Service Provider, along with the broader national demand in helping to bridge the digital gap for rural communities across the UK.

In his new role, Leighton will lead Zapgo, which was founded by UK private equity firm Kingsley Capital and has successfully gone on to secure investment from Canadian Pension Fund, OPTrust. Zapgo aims to become a destination focused, developer, owner, and operator of rapid and high-speed charging infrastructure across the UK.

Leighton expressed his enthusiasm for the role, saying, “Zapgo’s launch today unlocks the opportunity for EV adoption by many more consumers in areas of the UK currently underserved by existing charging infrastructure. The investment by OPTrust and Kingsley enables Zapgo to roll out its charging network, break down barriers to EV adoption, and strengthen confidence in the UK’s EV charging infrastructure among consumers. We look forward to working alongside local landowners and planning authorities to deliver this critically important fast charging infrastructure, which promises to bring convenience quickly to existing motorists and the opportunity for EV adoption to many more UK consumers.”

Non Exec Chair, Paul Hellings commented: “Steve has already formed an amazing team and with the support of OP Trust and Kingsley Capital, the timing could not be better to launch Zapgo in a buoyant and under-served market, crying out for high power destination charging, with exceptional customer experience at the heart of its DNA.”

Wilton & Bain’s Jay Siddiki says, “Steve is one of the rare finds that has successfully deployed Digital Infrastructure to address current market needs, and simultaneously continues to drive the evolving thesis around UK’s need to invest into the next generation of Digital Infrastructure. 

Paul, Steve and the wider team are entrepreneurial thought leaders. They will no doubt make their mark on an industry which is still very much at its infancy.”

ZapGo Press Release: https://www.zapgo.co.uk/in-the-news