Octopus Energy, founded by Greg Jackson, has transformed from an ambitious concept into the UK’s largest energy provider in just over a decade, serving 12 million homes across eight countries. This growth includes managing renewable energy sources, manufacturing heat pumps, and leasing electric vehicles. Jackson operates without traditional corporate structures like HR or IT departments, emphasizing an innovative approach to the energy sector grounded in technology.
Jackson’s management style revolves around maintaining a deep connection with employees and customers. He holds weekly executive meetings and “family dinners” for all staff to share updates and foster community spirit. There’s no central HR department; instead, teams manage their people, focusing on building trust rather than individual reward systems, thus ensuring collective success.
Despite leading a multi-faceted company, Jackson emphasizes that his core responsibilities remain unchanged: understanding customer needs and setting a clear vision for the future. He advocates for a tech-driven approach through his proprietary platform, Kraken, which enhances company transparency and customer engagement.
In discussions about succession, Jackson notably avoids creating an internal competition for leadership roles, focusing instead on instilling his company’s values and vision throughout the organization to ensure continuity. He believes that the essence of the company is more important than individual leadership, aspiring to create a culture that retains its direction, regardless of who leads.
