EP Group, one of the leading private industrial groups in the EU and the UK, based in Prague, is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rt Hon Greg Hands as Strategic Adviser, with a current special focus on the United Kingdom and Germany, effective immediately.
With nearly two decades of experience in UK government and Parliament, Mr Hands brings a wealth of expertise in international trade, energy policy, and European relations. He has held several ministerial roles, including Minister of State for International Trade, Minister for Energy, Clean Growth and Climate Change, and Chief Secretary to the Treasury. Mr Hands also has extensive experience in both Germany and the Czech Republic.
In his new role, reporting directly to Chairman and CEO Daniel Křetínský, Mr Hands will be based primarily in the UK, with additional activities in Germany. He will provide strategic counsel to EP Group’s executive leadership, focusing on regulatory and market developments in the UK and Germany. His insights will support EP Group’s efforts to expand its portfolio across both countries, aligning with the company’s commitment to secure and sustainable energy solutions.
EP Group has diversified beyond energy and infrastructure to include logistics, food wholesale, food and consumer retail, media, and e-commerce. Companies in which EP Group is the controlling shareholder generate approximately €80 billion in revenues and an annual EBITDA of around €8 billion.
Through EPH and EP Energy Transition, EP Group is one of Europe’s leading electricity producers and operates vital infrastructure assets, including power grids and gas storage facilities. Via its controlling share in International Distribution Services (IDS), EP Group has become one of Europe’s leading parcel logistics companies and is a proud shareholder of Royal Mail. Following the acquisition of a majority shareholding and the delisting of METRO AG, EP Group has also become the largest cash & carry and food service delivery provider, active in 23 countries.
EP Group Chairman and CEO Daniel Křetínský commented:
“We are delighted to welcome Greg Hands to EP Group. His deep understanding of the UK and German business and energy landscapes, coupled with his extensive experience in government and international trade, will be invaluable as we navigate the evolving sectors in these key markets. Greg has unique capabilities for the job, including fluency in German and good Czech, and understands many of our markets very well.”
Rt Hon Greg Hands added: “I am honoured to join EP Group as Strategic Adviser for the UK and Germany. I have known Daniel Křetínský for a long time, and I know that EP Group has a strong track record in energy and infrastructure. I look forward to contributing to its continued growth and commitment to energy security and sustainable energy solutions in these regions.”