Direct Energy Welcomes Thomas Smith to Serve as Executive Vice President and General Counsel

Houston, TX - Direct Energy®, one of North America's largest energy and energy-related services providers, has hired Thomas Smith to assume the role of Executive Vice President and General Counsel. Thomas will serve as a member of the Direct Energy Management Team and the Centrica Group General Counsel Leadership Team. He will be responsible for all aspects of the company's legal function in North America. He brings more than 14 years of experience managing complex agreements throughout the energy value chain.

Thomas joined Direct Energy from BG Group plc in Houston where he worked for the last decade, most recently as the Deputy General Counsel. In his last role, Thomas managed a team of 45 lawyers and professionals in Houston and in five international locations. Previously, he served as an attorney at Vinson & Elkins LLP.

"I'm excited Thomas will be joining my management team," said Badar Khan, President and CEO, Direct Energy. "His extensive experience in the energy industry will play an integral role in supporting our North America growth agenda."

Thomas holds his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University and his J.D. from Stanford Law School. Thomas and his wife, Becky, live in Houston with their four children.