Ian Rippin to step down as MCS CEO, Lisa Cooke appointed new Managing Director
After more than eight years, Ian Rippin has announced he is standing down as CEO of MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme), the UK’s quality mark for small-scale renewable energy systems like solar panels and heat pumps.
Ian was MCS’ first Chief Executive, appointed following its separation from Government in 2018. Under Ian’s leadership, annual certified installations have increased by more than 500%, with nearly 6,000 MCS certified businesses now delivering quality installations across the UK.
Lisa Cooke, currently MCS’ Chief Operating Officer, has been recruited to succeed Ian and lead MCS as its Managing Director. Lisa joined MCS shortly after Ian in 2018 and has led the redevelopment of the MCS installer Scheme, which is now being rolled out to thousands of businesses.
Commenting on his decision to step down, Ian Rippin said: “My time as CEO of MCS has been one of the highlights of my career. With the redeveloped installer Scheme being rolled out and set to transform the consumer protection landscape in the UK, now is the time for MCS to move to a new phase with new leadership. Lisa has been responsible for the delivery of our Certification Scheme and its newly built Customer Experience function, and has built our redeveloped installer Scheme. So, there is no one better placed than Lisa to lead MCS into its exciting new era – not only as the UK’s standard setter and quality assurance scheme, but as a consumer protection organisation.”
Lisa Cooke will formally take up the role of Managing Director on 1 August and will be supported by Ian in a handover and transition period until the end of 2026, when Ian will leave MCS in a full-time capacity. As Managing Director, Lisa will shape and deliver MCS’s next long-term strategy, levering its legacy and impact to build lasting confidence in home-grown energy for households and industry alike.
Lisa Cooke said: “I am honoured to have been appointed as MCS’ Managing Director at such a critical time. With 2026 already tracking to be the sixth consecutive record-breaking year for certified installations and the case for home-grown energy strengthening by the minute, MCS has a critical role to play in accelerating the UK’s transition to home-grown energy. But we know that confidence in home-grown energy is vital to this continued growth, and that’s why we’ve redeveloped our installer Scheme to put consumer protection at its heart. I’m proud to be leading MCS through this critical chapter, as we roll out the redeveloped Scheme, and prepare for our next phase of growth.”
Lisa will be supported by MCS Group CEO Dr Garry Felgate, who joined in April 2025 to provide leadership to both MCS and The MCS Foundation. Lisa will also join The MCS Foundation’s Senior Leadership Team.
Dr Garry Felgate, CEO of The MCS Foundation, said: “Ian has been an exceptional CEO, and over the past ten years has transformed not only MCS, but the small-scale renewable industry itself. It’s thanks to Ian’s hard work and dedication that MCS is in a stronger position than ever. Great leaders know how to build great teams, and it’s for this reason that we have appointed Ian’s successor from within. Lisa Cooke is a brilliant choice for MCS’ next leader, with the extensive experience, industry knowledge and strong stakeholder relationships needed to lead MCS into its critical next chapter. I greatly look forward to working closely together in the years to come, and wish Ian well in this next chapter of his career.”
After leaving his full-time role at the end of December 2026, Ian will continue to support the wider MCS Group in a part-time consultancy role.
Karen Shearer, Chair of the Board of Directors of MCS, said: “On behalf of the MCS Board, I would like to express our sincere thanks to Ian for his exceptional leadership and achievements over the past eight years. He has overseen record growth and ensured MCS is in a strong position for the future. I would also like to congratulate Lisa Cooke on her appointment as Managing Director. Lisa has played a vital role in MCS’ growth and success for many years, and we are excited to see her succeed in her new role.”
The MCS Foundation Media Office