CIO

Essent provides electricity and gas to over 2.5 million private and business customers every day. As part of the E.ON Group, the energy supplier plays a key role in making the Netherlands more sustainable through smart energy solutions. The Chief Information Officer will drive Essent’s technological transformation, shaping the IT landscape that will enable the company to become a one-stop shop within the energy sector.

About Essent

Essent is the market leader in energy and gas supply in the Netherlands. Across its offices nationwide, approximately 1,350 employees work daily to achieve Europe’s energy transition goals. Their success is built on smart, innovative collaboration driven by focus, ownership and discipline.

Essent operates through three business units: Energy Sales & Markets (ES&M), Future Energy Home (FEH) and Energy Infrastructure Solutions (EIS). ES&M, the largest unit, focuses on the sustainable and efficient trading of electricity and gas. FEH helps business and residential customers make their homes more sustainable by engaging external installers. Meanwhile, EIS delivers innovative solutions for heating and cooling homes and buildings.

Part of E.ON
Essent is part of the E.ON Group, one of Europe’s largest energy companies. Alongside Essent, the group includes brands such as Energiedirect and Vandebron. E.ON is committed to achieving sustainable leadership in the European energy transition, with the ambition of becoming fully carbon neutral by 2040.

Vacancy: Chief Information Officer

Essent views technology as a key enabler of sustainability in the Netherlands. The Chief Information Officer (CIO) translates Essent’s strategy into technological solutions that drive progress for both the organisation and its customers. Over the past years, Essent has evolved into a sophisticated and powerful tech company. With a broad mandate, the CIO is responsible for the IT strategy and transformation programmes across Essent and its subsidiaries. 

The CIO advises the Essent Board on strategic decisions related to technology and portfolio management. They develop a cohesive tech roadmap that aligns seamlessly with the company’s broader strategy and goals, manage the IT budget, and maintain a balance between cost optimisation, innovation and the stability of the IT infrastructure. A key focus is leading large-scale transformation programmes, including the transition to a one-stop shop model that integrates multiple customer journeys to deliver an optimal experience.  

Essent’s new customer-centric direction requires the ability to develop faster and more appealing propositions. The IT landscape must fully support this ambition, with IT serving not only as a support function but as a proactive driver, advising the business. Another critical strategic pillar is Essent’s “flex potential” – the ability to use electricity and energy more efficiently and intelligently. Under the CIO’s leadership, the platform will be designed to fully support these ambitions.  

Focus on leadership and collaboration
With a diverse team of around 500 internal and external professionals, the CIO is shaping a forward-thinking, customer-centric IT landscape that aligns seamlessly with Essent’s strategic goals. They have five direct reports, including the IT leaders of the various business units, the Manager CIO Office and the Information Security Officer. As an inspiring and servant leader, the CIO fosters an environment where teams perform at their best and employees continue to grow, reflecting the organisation’s entrepreneurial culture.  

 
The CIO is expected to set the right strategic priorities and engage in substantive discussions with the business units. They convince and challenge these units to make well-informed decisions that contribute to Essent’s long-term goals. Additionally, the CIO plays a pivotal role in designing a new organisational model that prepares the company for future challenges and opportunities.

Cultural transformation
In recent years, under the leadership of the current CIO – who is transitioning internally to the role of Director of E.ON Digital Technologies (DT) Customer Solutions – the IT department underwent a significant cultural shift. Efforts focused on building a cohesive tech community that prioritises not only hard work but also mutual care and social cohesion. The new CIO will continue this people-oriented approach, further strengthening the community.

The CIO reports directly to CEO Resi Becker and works closely with the Essent Board, in particular with the CCO and COO, as well as the leadership team and other internal stakeholders within the E.ON Group. Roadmaps and strategies are aligned with the CTO of E.ON DT and the Director of E.ON DT Customer Solutions. The CIO also participates in Essent’s Strategic Leadership and IT Leadership teams, collaborating on strategic, tactical and operational matters. Additionally, the CIO represents Essent in relevant tech networks and at conferences.  

“As CIO, you are responsible for all our IT and tech domains. You ensure the stability, availability and security of the IT landscape and drive our transformation towards a one-stop shop within the energy sector. With your expertise and leadership, you make a meaningful contribution to the sustainability of our country.” – Resi Becker, CEO

Strategic sparring partner 
As a trusted strategic sparring partner for the organisation, the CIO combines sharp long-term strategic insight with operational decisiveness. Combining subject-matter expertise, an open and approachable mindset and strong communication skills, this connector builds trust and leverages it to challenge the status quo. In their ongoing search for ways to add value through IT, experimentation and calculated risk-taking are sometimes essential. Leveraging deep technological expertise, a customer-focused vision and inspirational leadership, the CIO reinforces Essent’s position as a digital leader in the energy transition.

Interested?

Essent is working with Top of Minds to fill this vacancy.
To express your interest, please contact Jessica Lim at jessica.lim@topofminds.com.