ENA chief executive to step down

The Energy Networks Association (ENA) has announced its chief executive David Smith is stepping down from the position at the end of this year following nearly two decades at the organisation.

Smith joined the organisation in July 2003, serving as deputy chief executive until his promotion to chief executive in October 2007.

Prior to working at the ENA, Smith was director of corporate affairs at the British Retail Consortium when he was responsible for the industry’s implementation of ‘chip and PIN’ in the UK.

“After nearly two decades at ENA, the time is right for a change, both for ENA and for me, and I have decided to step down at the end of the year,” said Smith.

“I am immensely proud of the team I have built up at ENA and the work we have achieved during my time here, taking the organisation from a small 17-person technical trade association to a globally respected industry association, launching our national single emergency number – Power Cut? Call 105 – to our most recent response to the global pandemic and the green recovery.

“I will be leaving ENA well placed to continue supporting its members meet the challenge of delivering energy to communities safely, sustainably and reliably – a challenge more important today than ever before.”

ENA chair Phil Jones said: “David has done a fantastic job for the industry during his time at ENA, overseeing our involvement in massive transformations in the sector, working with eight secretaries of state to represent the UK and Ireland’s electricity and gas networks.

“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank him for his significant contribution. We wish him every success for whatever he chooses to do next.”

Smith will now work with the ENA’s board to appoint his successor.