The new boss of Manx Gas says he is ’committed to a 24/7 ethos of first class customer service.’

Fatherof two Ian Plenderleith, 54, took over as group managing director of the International Energy Group on Monday after Tony Nicholls stood down on Friday.

He will be based in the island, both living here and working from the office in Murdoch House, South Quay, Douglas.

Manx Gas is saying Mr Nicholls stood down ’to pursue other interests.’

And IEG chairman, David Owens said: ’IEG would like to thank him for the contribution he has made over the last six years since he joined the group.

’We wish him well in the future.’

Mr Owens added: ’IEG are delighted to announce that Ian Plenderleith will be joining the business as group managing director.

’Ian brings with him a wealth of experience of running utility businesses, both in the UK and in Europe.

’He has a proven track record of delivering the highest levels of customer service and managing all aspects of Health and Safety in an essential public service.

’Ian also has extensive experience of working closely with international, national and local governments, regulators and other stakeholder groups.

’We are confident that he will be instrumental in helping the board to take IEG to its next stage of business development.’

Mr Plenderleith, 54, joins IEG from Wrexham-based Dee Valley Water where in less than two years of joining the group as chief executive he made a significant improvement in all aspects of customer service.

Prior to that he was chief executive of Tallinn Water, a water and waste water company in Estonia, serving more than 400,000 customers with a direct work force of over 300 staff and a turnover of 50 million Euros per annum.

’I am very much looking forward to working in IEG,’ said Mr Plenderleith, who will be based in the island.

He added’Throughout my career in the utilities sector, I have always focused on improving the quality of customer service.

’I am committed to a 24/7 ethos of first class customer service and will be working hard to ensure that the citizens of the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey receive a level of service that bears comparison with the very best in the UK.’

He added: ’My initial impression is that there are some great people in IEG and I look forward to working with them to bring excellence in all aspects of customer service for the islands.’