THE new boss of a Teesside industry operator has revealed expansion plans.

Nomi Ahmad, head of Sembcorp’s newly-created UK and Europe business, which includes Wilton-based Sembcorp Utilities UK, says the site will be an anchor for domestic and pan-European growth.

Mr Ahmad, 48, has been with Sembcorp for four years, most recently as a senior manager of the group’s business development group in Singapore.

His arrival comes as industrial utilities and services provider Sembcorp pushes on with a previously-announced plan for a new gas-fired power station at Wilton, near Redcar.

Bosses say the site would create power for 1.5 million households, create scores of permanent jobs, and support more than 1,000 in the construction phase.

Mr Ahmad said: “I am excited, delighted and honoured to have been given this role.

“The management and the board of Sembcorp Industries are impressed with the potential of Teesside and in the wider UK energy market.

“Their intention is to use the existing UK business at Wilton as an anchor from which to expand and grow, both at Wilton and through the acquisition of other assets across the UK and potentially into Europe.”

Mr Ahmad’s career has seen him spend nearly 25 years in power development, project finance, mergers and acquisitions and asset management for a variety of firms across the energy sector in Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.