NGP appoints Julian Hernandez to lead flexible energy trading

11th August 2026

Northern Gas and Power has appointed Julian Hernandez as Head of Flexible Trading, to lead energy trading, giving him responsibility for the continued strong performance and development of NGP Flex.  

Julian will lead the UK-based trading desk responsible for managing 13.1 TWh of gas and power across almost 1,000 business portfolios. 

Leading an established energy trading operation 

NGP Flex provides actively managed energy purchasing for organisations that have decided to reduce their exposure to market volatility. 

Customer volumes are purchased over time and managed within agreed risk parameters. This gives businesses greater control over their energy budgets while offering them the opportunity to benefit when market prices fall. 

Since April 2021, NGP Flex has delivered £240 million in savings against customers’ original budgets. Contracts already secured through to 2033 carry a total savings value of £371 million.

The desk has also recorded £113.2 million in savings against the average market price, while recording a market outperformance of 33% for electricity and 18% for gas, despite recent volatility and price shocks. 

Experience developed within NGP Flex 

Julian joined Northern Gas and Power in August 2021 and progressed to Senior Energy Trader through consistent delivery and sound commercial judgement. 

During his time with NGP, he has built strong relationships across the business and with external partners. He has also contributed to the quality of analysis and decision-making within the trading desk. 

Julian holds a double degree in Business and International Finance and Economics. His earlier roles were in banking and pension fund management before he moved into commodity trading. He has worked across Latin America, Australia and the UK, giving him a global perspective and insight into what our customers need. 

Leah Barrett, Chief Commercial Officer of Global Procurement Group, endorsed Julian, saying: 

“Julian is the right person to lead Flexible Trading. He has gained the trust of our customers and partners through his sound judgement and consistently strong delivery. 

NGP Flex is an established operation with a strong record. Julian has the experience and leadership required to protect that record as the service continues to develop while striving for innovation where appropriate. His appointment was a natural step.” 

Responsibility for trading performance and risk governance 

As Head of Flexible Trading, Julian will lead NGP’s team of senior traders, energy traders, analysts and non-commodity specialists. He will be responsible for the trading function and the good governance embedded across all our customer portfolios. 

Julian said: 

“I’m pleased to be given the opportunity to lead NGP’s trading team. Together, we have already built a strong track record through disciplined trading and a clear focus on customer budgets and risk appetites. 

Our responsibility now is to maintain high standards and improve the way our trading desk combines market expertise with the enhanced accessibility provided through our bespoke trading platform. 

Customers expect clear guidance supported by strong governance, with performance they can easily measure. 

It is a privilege to lead an experienced team with a strong track record when it comes to customer care and delivering results under budget.” 

Julian’s appointment highlights Northern Gas and Power’s continued investment in flexible energy purchasing and risk management in response to ongoing market volatility. 

Frequently asked questions 

What is flexible energy trading? 

Flexible energy trading spreads energy purchases across different points in the market. Volumes can be bought over time instead of being committed at a single market price. The approach is managed within agreed risk parameters and is designed to reduce exposure to unfavourable price movements. 

How does NGP Flex manage energy market risk? 

Each customer position is managed against an agreed Budget Guide. The trading desk monitors market conditions and purchases energy in planned tranches, while maintaining the risk controls set for the portfolio. 

How are NGP Flex savings measured? 

NGP Flex reports performance against the customer’s original budget and the average market price. These two measures are kept separate so customers can see how their position performed against their agreed budget and relative to the wider market. 

What does the Flexer portal show? 

The Flexer portal provides visibility of customer positions, trading activity, budget performance and trade history. It allows customers and the trading team to monitor performance throughout the contract period. 

Who is Julian Hernandez? 

Julian Hernandez is Head of Flexible Trading at Northern Gas and Power. He joined the business in August 2021 and progressed through the NGP trading desk before taking responsibility for NGP Flex. He brings a global perspective to the team and has a background in financial services and international commodity trading.