Centrica has hired former Aviva boss Mark Hodges as the new managing director of Big Six supplier British Gas.

He will take on the new role from June this year, with a base salary of £625,000 and receive a bonus of up to 100% of the salary if all performance targets are met.

As the Chief Executive of Aviva UK Life, UK CEO of Aviva and the head of insurance broker Towergate, he was heavily focused on improving customer service in the organisations, Centrica said.

Following his extensive experience, he will become the director of customer facing strategy at Centrica.

The new appointment follows the departure of Chris Weston, who announced he was leaving British Gas to join Aggreko last year.

Ian Conn, Chief Executive of Centrica said Mr Hodges is “ideally suited to lead the business”.

Mr Hodges added: “It will be a great privilege to lead British Gas, which has a proud heritage sand I am excited by the great potential the company has to benefit customers through improved service and in developing new products.

“Centrica is at the forefront of meeting the energy and energy services needs of customers in a range of markets and I am looking forward to being a part of the team.”