How E.ON is developing Senior Leaders and future Senior Leaders through FuEL

Investing in people is key to building the future of energy. That's why E.ON's Future Energy Leaders (FuEL) development programme is helping colleagues develop the confidence, skills and networks needed to take the next step in their careers.

The nine-month, self-nominated programme is designed for colleagues with aspirations to move into senior leadership roles. Through a personalised development journey, participants gain access to coaching, mentoring, networking opportunities, commercial case studies, shadow boards, panel discussions and workshops, all tailored to help them build their leadership capability.

The programme also plays an important role in strengthening E.ON's future leadership pipeline while supporting the company's talent principles of democratised, self-nominated and aspirational development.

A colleague who has experienced the impact of the programme first-hand is Adam Curran, Head of Growth Delivery at E.ON Next.

Adam joined the programme looking for two things: a strong support network of peers and a fresh perspective on leadership: "I realised taking that next step in my career meant I needed a solid group of people going through the same experience who I could learn from and lean on," said Adam.

"I also wanted to challenge myself. It's easy to become comfortable with familiar ways of working, so I was keen to gain an external perspective on leadership and broaden how I think."

One of the biggest influences on Adam's development was the executive coaching available through the programme. "Having an external coach gave me a completely neutral space to challenge my thinking, reflect on my leadership style and build genuine confidence," he said. "That, alongside the cohort itself, created an environment where we could openly share ideas, support one another and continue pushing ourselves to improve."

The programme encouraged Adam to think more strategically and focus on communicating a clear vision rather than becoming immersed in day-to-day operational detail. He recently applied those skills while helping shape E.ON Next's battery strategy, focusing on long-term customer solutions through battery and Virtual Power Plant pilots.

"The coaching gave me the confidence to stand up in senior leadership meetings, engage the room and back my ideas," he said.

Since completing the programme, Adam has progressed into his current role as Head of Growth Delivery and says the experience changed how he approaches leadership. "It helped me move away from trying to manage every operational detail and instead focus on the bigger picture, empower my team and drive meaningful change," he said.

"It also helped me realise that senior leadership isn't about sacrificing your home life," Adam added. "I’m really passionate about driving my career, but I’m equally intentional about protecting time with my family. Setting those clear boundaries actually makes me a more focused, present leader at work, and I want my teams to feel empowered to do the same."

“Another valuable insight was recognising that my experience at E.ON is a real strength. Combining deep knowledge of the business with fresh external coaching gave me a new level of confidence."

Alongside the formal development opportunities, Adam says the relationships he built across the business continue to make a difference today. "I've built a trusted network of colleagues across different parts of E.ON who I rely on," he said.

"When you're delivering large projects, having people you know and trust across the organisation makes collaboration so much easier."

Reflecting on the programme, Adam believes one lesson stands above all others. "Senior leadership isn't about having every answer," he said. "It's about providing clear direction, bringing people with you and creating the environment for others to succeed."

For colleagues considering applying, his advice is simple. "Don't wait for someone to tap you on the shoulder. Self-nominate, invest in yourself and go for it!" he said.

"FuEL gives you the coaching, support and network to help you back yourself and take that next step."

For anyone aspiring to progress into senior leadership, Adam also encourages colleagues to build relationships across the business and seek opportunities to keep learning. "You can't do senior leadership roles on your own," he said. "Build your network early, speak up, back your ideas and find coaches or mentors who will continue to challenge and support your development."

Powering the leaders of tomorrow

As the UK moves towards a cleaner, more flexible energy future, developing the next generation of leaders has never been more important. Through programmes like FuEL, E.ON is investing in the people who will help shape the future of the business, drive innovation and work alongside customers and communities to deliver a fair and inclusive energy transition.