Octopus Energy’s Greg Jackson: ‘Climate change is no longer this vague thing’
Greg Jackson starts each day by flicking on the radio and “scrunching” into his bath. The boss of Octopus Energy has a small tub, which pleases him as it is efficient and fills quickly. His morning routine echoes the tycoon’s underprivileged childhood. “You can tell if someone grew up in a cold house: we often prefer baths – when you get out of the shower you get a real shock,” he says.
Jackson, 50, grew up near Middlesbrough. After his parents split, his mother worked as a barmaid and later studied while on benefits. He now runs Octopus, the green energy supplier founded in 2015 and valued at £4bn, with more than 3 million customers in 14 countries and backers including former US vice-president Al Gore.
He believes his thrifty upbringing allows him to empathise with struggling customers. “It’s actually more than that: bringing down energy costs is one of the reasons I started the business,” he says. “It’s demoralising that we
Age 50
Family In a relationship; has two children from previous partners.
Education Huntcliff secondary school in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, east of Middlesbrough (left at 16); wrote video games software before returning to do A-levels; economics degree at Pembroke College, Cambridge.
Pay “Minimum wage”; Jackson gave up his £150,000 salary when the energy crisis began last autumn, donating the rest of his original salary to Octopus’s staff welfare and its financial hardship fund, Octo Assist. He has never taken a bonus, and owns a 6% stake, worth about £240m.
Last holiday Cotswold Water Park, with family and friends.
Best advice he has been given “Integrity is what you do when no one’s watching.”
Biggest career mistake “Not seeking backers for the idea of Octopus Energy sooner.”
Word he overuses “Brilliant. Or the
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