UK-based electric vehicle (EV) charge point operator Zapgo has announced Neil Mahapatra has become CEO of the company.
Taking on the role from 2 April 2025, Mahapatra has succeeded Steve Leighton, who decided to leave to pursue other career options.
Mahapatra brings to Zapgo over 20 years’ successful experience in private equity and finance. He was previously Managing Partner of Kingsley Capital Partners, a family-office backed firm that conceives of and grows new businesses from inception. With an MBA from Harvard Business School, he has experience across multiple businesses and disciplines.
Mahapatra founded Zapgo alongside Leighton, through Kingsley, with the firm retaining a significant minority stake, alongside the majority investor, Canadian Pension Fund OPTrust.
The company is currently building EV sites across the country, and has a pipeline of further locations, generated internally and supported by corporate partnerships, such as with Fair Game and Heritage Xplore.
Neil Mahapatra, new CEO of Zapgo, said:
“I could not be more thrilled to take over the reins from Steve Leighton. Becoming CEO of Zapgo, at a time of dynamic change in the EV charging market, is tremendously exciting. My job is to build on the good progress that Steve has already made, convert a pipeline brimming with prospects, and accelerate delivery of vital EV charging infrastructure to customers and landlords around the country, ensuring that Zapgo becomes the stand-out success story that it deserves to be, playing its part fully in the UK EV transition.”
Steve Leighton, outgoing CEO of Zapgo, said:
“it’s been a privilege to bring Zapgo on its journey from a concept to a fully-fledged EV charging business, delivering rapid charging sites to areas of the UK underserved by existing infrastructure. I’ve also loved working alongside the brilliant team at Zapgo.
“But I’ve been wanting for some time to be able to explore some exciting new opportunities and couldn’t be more pleased to be able to hand on the baton to Neil, who I’ve worked closely with to make Zapgo a reality and success.”
Kenzo King, Managing Director, Private Markets Group at OPTrust, said:
“We thank Steve for his contributions. We are delighted that Neil has agreed to lead Zapgo into the future. As both an investor and operator, Neil brings a deep understanding of Zapgo, and has been instrumental to the Company’s growth since day one.
“His unique experience and perspective positions him to drive the company’s continued success.”
Image of Mahapatra courtesy of Zapgo
