SPECIALIST VEHICLE importer and distributor BLK Auto has recruited UK bus industry veteran and Optare ex-CEO Graham Belgum as the company, “…grows its hydrogen vehicle development and fuel supply services,” it states.
Belgum is a professional engineer with more than 40 years’ experience across the design, development and operational support of myriad mechanical, electrical and electronic equipment, BLK explains.
His career dates to the first 10 hydrogen fuel cell buses that went into service in the United Kingdom for Transport for London after they were introduced in 2003. During this time, he served as an engineering director for First Group in London and oversaw the introduction of the first and second generation fuel-cell buses into operation, including the development of Lea Interchange to refuel and maintain FEVs for the Olympics.
In recent years, Belgum has led the design, development and support of a range of battery-electric buses as the CEO of Optare Buses, and worked on the design and development of a double-decker fuel-cell bus.
Commencing in his new role as ‘professional adviser’ this week, Belgum takes over to enhance BLK Auto’s hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle development and support capability as the company works with local body manufacturers to develop and integrate its fuel-cell solutions to their fleets, BLK states.
HUGE BOON
“I’m delighted to welcome Graham to the BLK Auto team,” BLK Auto managing director Jason Pecotic said.
“His experience and tenure in this sector is a huge boon for our business, and we look forward to leveraging his wisdom and capabilities as we seek to significantly boost our hydrogen offerings to customers.”
Belgum says he is looking forward to ‘hitting the ground running’ with BLK to help fill a large and looming gap in Australia’s hydrogen sector.
“Hydrogen is the way forward for a clean energy future, and BLK Auto is at the forefront here in Australia to make a meaningful impact in this sector,” Belgum stated.
“I’ve known Jason from my time at Optare and it is a pleasure to be joining his team.
“I look forward to playing my part in further developing BLK Auto’s hydrogen capabilities,” he said.
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Photography: courtesy BLK Auto