National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) has announced several changes to its leadership team, with Isabelle Haigh replacing Roisin Quinn as its head of national control from spring next year.
Quinn will be leaving the ESO to take another position within the National Grid Group and is stepping down immediately to comply with license requirements following their legal separation
Rob Rome has been appointed as interim head of national control in the meantime. Quinn will continue to work on specific projects within the ESO until her departure.
Writing in a blog on its website, ESO director Fintan Slye said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Ro for her dedication and commitment to the ESO over the past 15 years.
“She has held many roles, including Capacity Market design manager, head of energy strategy and policy and, most recently, head of national control, and through all of this has played a leading role in shaping the ESO, and indeed the wider industry.”
Her ultimate replacement, Isabelle Haigh, joined National Grid as a graduate in electrical and electronic engineering and has since held a number of senior positions across electricity and gas. She is currently the head of plant operations for the gas transmission network, overseeing the operation of pipelines, compressors and terminals.
Rome has more than 20 years of experience in the industry and came to National Grid in 2016. He has most recently been responsible for reviewing the performance of the electricity control room as the ESO’s commercial operations manager.
Quinn will also be replaced in her ambassadorial role of chief engineer by Julian Leslie, who will remain head of networks at the same time. As chief engineer, Leslie will be tasked with spotlighting engineering expertise at the ESO and attracting new talent to the energy industry.
“These are exciting times and a period of incredible progress in the energy industry,” said Slye. “I’d like to congratulate Isabelle and Ro on their new roles and wish Rob and Jools all the best in their new positions.”