Executive Profile
Philip Shadbolt OBE is the Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of EZ-Charge, a rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure company headquartered in the Greater Oxford Area. He is also the Managing Director and Chairman of Zeta Specialist Lighting Ltd, a Bicester-based UK manufacturer specializing in bespoke LED and solar-powered lighting solutions for automotive and commercial vehicle markets. Mr. Shadbolt has demonstrated over 35 years of leadership in sustainable innovation, specifically focusing on clean energy, greentech, and automotive lighting technologies.
Education
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Oxford Brookes University (1980–1983).
Honors and Awards
- Awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2015 for services to business and innovation.
- Named Cherwell Business Person of the Year in 2012.
- Winner of the James Cowper Kreston Business Person of the Year Award at the Oxfordshire Business Awards 2024.
- Recognized by multiple industry and regional awards for sustainable business innovation and leadership.
Professional Experience and Roles
EZ-Charge (2020 – Present)
- Founded in 2020, EZ-Charge emerged from Philip’s direct experience using existing EV charging infrastructure, identifying affordability and scalability challenges in public EV charging.
- As CEO and Chairman, Philip has pioneered the development of fully funded EV charging networks by partnering with property owners, landlords, and public entities.
- EZ-Charge secured a multimillion-pound investment in early 2023 to build a network of 5,000 EV chargers, underpinning ambitious growth plans domestically and internationally, including significant projects in Malaysia and Oxfordshire.
- The company has launched innovative initiatives such as the “Park and Charge” project, developed in collaboration with the University of Oxford and Oxfordshire County Council, positioning EZ-Charge as a frontrunner in EV infrastructure innovation.
- In 2024, EZ-Charge achieved a notable milestone reaching 14% EV charging utilisation rates, which underscores increasing market adoption and operational traction.
- Philip actively advocates for policy reforms to enhance EV accessibility, publicly calling on the UK government to remove VAT on public EV charging points to improve affordability.
Zeta Specialist Lighting (Founded 1989 – Present)
- Philip Shadbolt established Zeta Specialist Lighting Ltd in 1989, originally focusing on improving fuel efficiency through advanced automotive lighting technologies.
- Zeta designs and manufactures intelligent electronics and lighting solutions tailored to commercial vehicles, including LED and solar-powered lighting products.
- Philip continues as Managing Director, driving product innovation and environmental impact, with the company having garnered multiple accolades for technology excellence and sustainability.
- The company is active in industry partnerships and Innovate UK-funded projects, including work on wide-bandgap power electronics and connected vehicle systems.
- Zeta’s environmental focus extends to key commercial projects, such as installing efficient lighting at major transport and infrastructure hubs.
Public Engagement and Advocacy
- Philip is a recognized thought leader in the sustainability and green technology sectors, regularly engaging in public discussions and interviews regarding EV infrastructure challenges and solutions.
- His public statements emphasize practical strategies for scaling EV charging networks and advocating government policies conducive to accelerating the UK’s low-carbon transition.
- He serves as a respected voice in business forums and innovation awards, reflecting his dual role as an entrepreneur and environmental advocate.
Strategic and Growth Insights
- Philip’s background uniquely combines deep engineering expertise with entrepreneurial leadership, positioning him to guide EZ-Charge from startup to scalable infrastructure provider.
- His dual leadership at EZ-Charge and Zeta Specialist Lighting allows for synergistic innovation spanning EV infrastructure and automotive lighting sectors.
- The recent successful capital raise and partnerships indicate strong investor confidence and channels for accelerated deployment.
- His involvement in strategic alliances with government bodies and major technology partners reflects capability to navigate complex public-private collaborations.
- Advocacy for VAT removal on EV charging signals proactive engagement in regulatory frameworks, an important factor for market adoption and future policy landscapes.
LinkedIn: [Philip Shadbolt OBE](https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-shadbolt-obe-b990169)
Company Information: EZ-Charge – [About Us](https://ez-charge.co.uk/about-us/) | Zeta Specialist Lighting – UK manufacturer of bespoke intelligent lighting solutions based in Bicester
This detailed profile underscores Philip Shadbolt’s established leadership in sustainable innovation enabled by strong technical expertise, proven entrepreneurial success, respected public engagement, and focused strategic vision driving EZ-Charge’s growth in the EV infrastructure sector.
