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Utility providers in the northwest have named new chief executives as United Utilities (UU) announce Steve Mogford’s intention to retire and Electricity Northwest West (ENW) has named Peter Emery’s successor.
Mogford will retire early next year after 12 years leading UU to be succeeded by Louise Beardmore, the company’s director of customer service and people, who has been named chief executive designate and will formally succeed Mogford in 2023.
Beardmore will lead the design of the company’s PR24 business plan and support Mogford until his retirement as part of the transition. UU was one of three companies whose business plans were fast-tracked at PR19 for the current regulatory period that runs to 2025.
Mogford said: “It has been a real honour to lead such a wonderful team that has succeeded on so many fronts. We’re acutely aware of the important role we play within our North West community and Louise embodies all of the values to which we aspire. With her boundless energy and commitment, I have no doubt she will lead United Utilities to even greater success.”
Beardmore has held several senior positions within the organisation, most recently focussing on turning around the company’s approach to customer service, which has allowed it to outperform on its C-Mex targets during this period.
“I am privileged to have been asked to lead an organisation that cares passionately about the essential service we deliver to seven million people in the North West,” Beardmore said. “I look forward to working with the team to ensure we continue to provide the service and results our customers and stakeholders deserve and expect; a business where colleagues are proud to work and an organisation that is recognised as delivering for all communities in our region.”
United Utilities will be one of six water companies to have a female chief executive in a sector where women represent 16% of management, director or senior positions, compared to 37% of UK-wide companies.
Chair of the board, David Higgins, said: “Louise has been at the heart of the company’s transition to becoming a leading performer in customer service, operational delivery and employee engagement. She was the outstanding candidate in a rigorous selection process including internal and external candidates and the board is delighted she has agreed to lead United Utilities on Steve’s retirement next year. Her experience, strategic vision and constant customer focus will ensure we build on the significant performance improvements we have achieved under Steve’s leadership.”
Mogford will also retire from the board when he leaves the firm early next year.
Beardmore will be among the speakers at Utility Week Live, which takes place 17-18 May at Birmingham’s NEC. To find out more and to register for free, click here.
Electricity North West
Ian Smyth was announced as the successor to outgoing ENW chief executive Peter Emery who is due to retire later this year.
Smyth is currently director of UK Power Networks’ (UKPN) Services and has more than 25 years’ experience working within UK and international utilities.
UKPN Services is responsible for delivering critical services to large national infrastructure projects and UK organisations including Heathrow, Gatwick and Stanstead airports, High Speed 1, Canary Wharf and London Underground.
Prior to joining UKPN in 2016, Smyth was managing director at Navigant, a partner with LCP and a consultant with Ernst and Young.
Speaking about his new role, Smyth said: “Electricity North West is a strong business operating in a sector which has a critical role to play for the people and economy of the North West.
“The rich diversity of Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cumbria is evidenced in the ambitious plans for their green transition and reflected in their net zero targets.
“I am looking forward to supporting these stakeholders in achieving their goals and ambitions.”
Alistair Buchanan, chair of Electricity North West, said: “Ian will be building on the legacy of Peter Emery and I would also like to thank Peter again for his outstanding contribution to Electricity North West over the past six years.
“During his tenure, Peter led Electricity North West to become a leading DNO with significant improvements in safety, reliability, customer satisfaction and efficiency.
“The unique approach to innovation is evidenced in the successful CLASS and Smart Street technologies, and reflected in its ED2 business plan submission, which builds upon the company’s commitment to stakeholder engagement.”
Environmental APPG
Chris Skidmore will chair the Environment APPG Parliamentary Committee for 2022-23, as five new members have been named and 12 current vice chairs re-elected to the committee.
Skidmore has twice acted as minister of state within the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) between 2018-19 and again 2019-20 with a spell as minister for health in 2019. He was dismissed from government in the 2020 cabinet reshuffle.
Former APPG chair Anthony Browne will remain on the committee as a vice chair.
Newly elected vice chairs will be Caroline Lucas, (Green); Rebecca Long-Bailey (Labour); Luke Pollard (Labour); Douglas Chapman (SNP); Baroness Bennett (Green).
Re-elected vice chairs are Deidre Brock (SNP); Fay Jones (Conservative); Alexander Stafford (Conservative); Baroness Young (Green); Alan Whitehead (Labour); Laura Farris (Conservative); Lord Caithness (Green); Lord Carrington (Green); Daniel Zeichner (Labour); Jerome Mayhew (Conservative); Christina Rees (Welsh Labour); and, Lord Cameron (Green).
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