The Purposeful Strategist, a podcast from Menkus & Associates in partnership with Norman Broadbent, shares conversations with CEOs on how they translate organisational purpose into bold strategy, real impact, and lasting results.
How do you turn energy data into practical action that reduces both cost and carbon? In this episode, Jo Cox, Chief Executive Officer of IMSERV Europe, explores how she is leading a long-established energy services business through a period of rapid change, building on its trusted position within the UK’s commercial and industrial energy sector while challenging the organisation to move faster.
Jo explains the often unseen role IMSERV plays within the energy system - from installing and maintaining the meters behind business energy bills to collecting and validating the data relied upon by energy suppliers and regulators. She outlines the three core elements of her strategy: developing a high-performing field engineering operation, strengthening the collection and management of data across large meter portfolios, and using technology to turn data into actionable insight.
Central to this is IMSERV Astral, an acquired data platform designed to help customers identify opportunities to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. More recently, the acquisition of Glasgow-based proptech company arbnco has further strengthened this capability, combining energy data with AI-powered tools to help real estate owners and asset managers translate information into practical decarbonisation action.
Jo also reflects on her approach to leadership, describing a non-hierarchical and hands-on style that means getting close to the detail and moving quickly when change is needed. She discusses working with private equity as a genuine strategic partner and shares lessons from stepping into a new CEO role - including the importance of leaving ego at the door, asking questions, and taking the time to understand a business before assuming you have all the answers.