SAN FRANCISCO, CA — (Marketwired) — 10/20/14 — Choose Energy, an online energy marketplace that helps customers compare energy plans and prices, has announced Erik Blachford, former CEO of Expedia, Inc., as a member of its board of directors. In his new role with Choose Energy, Blachford will provide insight from years of experience leading comparison-shopping platforms including Expedia.com, Hotels.com and Hotwire.com.
“At Choose Energy, customer choice powers our business,” Kerry Cooper, chief executive officer at Choose Energy, said. “Erik has years of knowledge around platforms that allow customers to easily find the best deal, and we–re excited to have him on board as more energy options become available to consumers. Choice is driving major changes in the energy industry, and we–re excited to be at the center of it.”
Currently, Blachford is the executive chairman at Couchsurfing International, a global community that connects travelers with locals. He is also a venture partner at Technology Crossover Ventures. As an advisor, he serves as a board member at Zillow, Couchsurfing, Siteminder, Glassdoor, and Liftopia, as well as Choose Energy. His nonprofit boards include EcoAmerica and the U.S. National Council of the World Wildlife Fund.
“Companies like Expedia brought disparate information from suppliers and the community together to help consumers make better decisions,” Blachford said. “Choose Energy is bringing that choice to consumers for the wide array of energy products like electricity and natural gas plans, solar heating and fuels.”
Blachford graduated from Princeton University with a bachelor–s degree in English and earned his Masters in Business Administration from Columbia University–s Graduate School of Business.
For more information about Choose Energy and its leadership team, visit .
Choose Energy is the nation–s leading online energy comparison-shopping engine that helps residents and businesses shop for their optimal energy plan. Choose Energy has helped more than 75,000 residents and 4,000 businesses find new electricity, gas, fuels and solar plans with a free, easy-to-use platform. Powered by an accessible, user-friendly site and customer service team, Choose Energy provides a convenient and secure way for businesses and consumers to compare rates and plans for energy suppliers in their area — and make the switch all in one place. Plans are curated from only reliable and trusted suppliers and provide renewable options as well as flexible pricing to ensure customers find the plan that best fits their needs. Customers can shop online at ChooseEnergy.com or by phone at 1-855-419-8758. Choose Energy is available in 12 states plus the District of Columbia. To see the complete list:
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