Scott Somerville

2024 was a year of enormous upheaval and change for all energy companies, but particularly so for E.ON UK.

Against a backdrop of volatile prices (exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine), a new UK Government, uncertainty in the global business community, and the recent appointment of a new CEO (in May 2023), E.ON undertook a significant revamp of its marketing, communications and PR function. The business needed to new ways to build advocacy, influence and trust with policy audiences and opinion leaders. Scott Somerville, previously Chief Marketing Officer and newly-installed as the company’s Director of External Affairs, spearheaded the transition. Between April and December 2024, Scott created a new External Affairs directorate built around key focus areas of innovation, social impact and affordability. Siloed teams and campaigns were united under these three pillars, and traditional paid marketing tactics were replaced by high-impact, authentic, earned-first communications. Meanwhile, a new corporate sponsorship strategy was deployed to demonstrate E.ON’s commitment to equality, diversity and community prosperity. In just eight months, Scott has created a far more focused and cohesive in-house team, with successes already achieved in boosting E.ON’s share of voice, corporate reputation and policy influence.