On the move: Electricity North West, Ofwat, SGN

Our latest round-up of appointments across the utilities sectors includes senior moves at Electricity North West and SGN as well as changes at Ofwat and the Environment Agency.

Electricity North West

Electricity North West has poached Yorkshire Water’s chief financial officer Chris Johns to take up the same role at the DNO.

Jones had previously been CFO of Yorkshire Water since June 2020.

He has also previously held the roles of finance director of both Northumbrian Water Group and Northern Gas Networks, and before that worked in the regulated financial services industry.

Electricity North West’s chief executive Ian Smyth said: “We are delighted with this appointment after a comprehensive UK-wide search. Chris is a recognised CFO in the industry combining financial acumen with regulatory insight. Chris will contribute to our reputation as a leading regulated network.”

Johns added: “I’m delighted to be joining Electricity North West at such an important time given the challenges of ED2 that lie ahead. Electricity North West is a hugely respected and great company, and I’m excited to be joining the business and getting to know and work with all teams, both in finance as well as across the wider business.”

Chris replaces David Brocksom who is retiring from the board on 25 May having been with Electricity North West since 2013 and on the board since 2015.

SGN

SGN announces that Tony Green has been appointed as future of energy director.

Green joins SGN from National Gas where he led the thinking on hydrogen in decarbonising the gas network. As hydrogen director he was instrumental in launching Project Union, the pioneering plan to create a UK hydrogen backbone by the early 2030s.

Tony will set the future of energy strategy at SGN, looking at all opportunities to build its customer base as the decarbonisation of the whole energy system gathers pace.

SGN chief executive Mark Wild said: “I’m delighted to welcome Tony to SGN and look forward to working together on the exciting challenges and opportunities that the energy transition presents. SGN is perfectly placed as a trusted partner to deliver net zero in a way that truly works for customer and country. Tony joins at the right time with the right expertise to help make that happen.”

Green added: “I am thrilled to be joining SGN at a time of critical importance to the development of the net zero economy across the UK. It has been an exciting journey developing the hydrogen programme at National Gas, including Project Union, and I am looking forward to leading the future of energy at SGN.”

He will take up his new role at SGN in August 2023.

Environment Agency

Philip Duffy has been appointed as the next chief executive of the Environment Agency.

The former director-general of growth and productivity at the Treasury will lead the Agency from July.

Outgoing chief executive James Bevan stepped down at the end of March after seven years in the post, with his position to be filled by the executive director for local operations, John Curtin, for three months.

Duffy’s civil service career includes time as director of border policy at the Home Office and as chief operating officer at UK Border Force. Since joining the Treasury in 2017, Duffy has led work on transport, productivity, the environment, business support and culture.

Ofwat

Ofwat has announced the appointment of Chris Walters as senior director for the Price Review. He will take up post in June and will lead the PR24 process which sets the price, service, and incentive package for water companies from 2025-2030.

Walters brings substantial public sector leadership experience, including economic regulation of public utilities and a strong background in economics. He joins Ofwat from NHS England, where he is director of pricing and costing. Before joining the NHS in 2015, he held senior roles at the OFT and CMA, including as chief economist.

Walters said: “I am really looking forward to joining the team at Ofwat and leading the upcoming price review process, to make a positive difference for customers and the environment. I am passionate about the importance of public service and know the impact it can have and the benefits it brings to society. I cannot wait to get started.”

Walters takes over from Aileen Armstrong who is leaving to take up a new role outside the water sector.

Offshore Wind Industry Council

The Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) has appointed a new co-chair and vice-chair to help deliver ambitious UK offshore wind targets, as Danielle Lane steps down at the end of her two-year term. Richard Sandford, BP’s vice president of offshore wind UK, replaces Lane as co-chair, while Sophie Banham, offtake director for Dogger Bank D Wind Farm, takes on the new role of Vice-Chair.

Richard and Sophie have a combined experience of around thirty years in offshore wind and have worked extensively with the council for several years.

Graham Stuart, minister for Energy Security and Net Zero, said: “Offshore wind is vital to our plans to Power Up Britain, from Britain. Although the UK is already home to the four largest offshore wind farms, we want to go further, faster.

“That’s why I welcome the appointment of both Richard and Sophie as the new industry chairs and look forward to working with them closely to drive the UK offshore wind industry to even greater heights.

“Their energy and leadership at OWIC gives me confidence that we can cement our position as a world leader in reducing emissions and growing the UK supply chain.”