Scottish Power appoints Keith Anderson as CEO

Keith Anderson has been appointed CEO of Scottish Power, an internal promotion from his combined role as chief executive of Scottish Power Renewables (SPR), and chief corporate officer of Scottish Power.

“Anderson will have ultimate responsibility for all Scottish Power businesses, and for the leadership of Scottish Power internally and externally,” the company said in a statement.

He will continue to sit on the Scottish Power board, and the appointment does not otherwise change the formal governance of the company.

Anderson said: “Just last week Iberdrola announced a major global investment plan over the next five years, with more than €6 billion set to be invested in the UK. We will be delivering this investment in renewables, networks and customer service at a time when the political and regulatory environment in the UK is as challenging as it has ever been.”

He added he would ensure the company’s major investments “help to develop a smarter and cleaner energy system for the UK.”

Lindsay McQuade will succeed him as chief executive of SPR. Previously director of policy and innovation, she will assume full responsibility for the management of SPR in the UK. This includes an operational portfolio of more than 40 windfarm sites as well as the development of new projects.

McQuade said: “Looking ahead, we face the challenges of renewing and extending the life of existing projects, at the same time as finding ways to deliver new megawatts of green electricity. Our expertise in the sector will help us continue to grow the business.”

The appointments follow news last week that Scottish Power’s profits have dipped after its retail arm saw its earnings halved during 2017, partly due to the loss of around 200,000 customers.