A hydrogen investment fund launched by green entrepreneur Jo Bamford has strengthened its senior leadership team with two new appointments.

HYCAP, which supports firms working on clean energy projects, has appointed Christopher Leonard as Chief Operating Officer and Ben Madden as Chief Technology Officer.

Christopher has extensive experience leading boards and executive teams through organisation transformation, people management, and process improvement within large-scale global organisations.

He previously spent seven years at privately-owned professional services business DAR Group as Group Head of Corporate Projects and Group Head of Human Resources.

He said: “It’s a privilege to be part of something with such growth potential.

“I believe HYCAP has a vital role in helping speed-up green hydrogen production and supply, creating jobs and contributing to the Government’s Net Zero targets.”

Since co-founding Element Energy in 2003, Ben has led a wide range of consultancy projects in the low carbon energy sector.

He said: “I have always had a strong interest in hydrogen and its potential to help facilitate the transition to a fully decarbonised energy system.

“I’m thrilled to be taking on this new role at such an exciting and pivotal time for the hydrogen sector.”

Jo Bamford launched Oxford-based HYCAP, a hydrogen focused private equity fund, to invest largely into UK-based businesses to develop and grow the hydrogen eco-system.

James Munce, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer at HYCAP, said: “I am delighted to welcome two experienced professionals to the team who will help accelerate our plans to support businesses working on green projects.

“With the Government’s relentless pursuit of Net Zero targets, it is our belief that hydrogen holds the key to reducing emissions.

“The fund is investing across the entire value chain, focusing on production, manufacture and supply, in order to put the UK firmly on the map when it comes to hydrogen.”