On the move: ENA, Severn Trent, Waterwise

Utility Week's latest roundup of utility sector appointments includes a new director at the Energy Networks Association (ENA), board changes at Severn Trent and a new chair of the UK Water Efficiency Strategy Group.

ENA

The ENA has named James Earl as director of gas, with responsibility for leading all aspects of trade body’s gas activities, including its Gas Goes Green initiative to create a zero-carbon gas grid in the UK.

Earl has over a decade of experience in the energy sector, starting his career at Ofgem, where he spent seven years working on regulation and policy projects in both the electricity and gas markets. He later worked as an associate director at KPMG, specialising in the future of gas, hydrogen and carbon capture.

ENA chief executive David Smith said: “I’m delighted James has joined the team, especially at such an important time for the gas sector. The choices we make over the next few years could shape the gas energy market for a generation. James has an important role in helping to articulate what gas operators need to reach their net zero goals.”

UK Water Efficiency Strategy Group

Sarah McMath, chief executive of non-household water market operator MOSL, has joined the board of the UK Water Efficiency Strategy Group as chair. The group, formed in 2017 by Waterwise, is aimed at reducing water waste to maximise its economic, social and environmental value.

McMath, who joined MOSL from Thames in 2019, said: “With the challenges we are currently facing with drought and the very real threat of climate change, it is essential that we all take action – as individuals, as small businesses, as big corporations, as well as central government.

“Waterwise is the leading authority on water efficiency in the UK. I look forward to working more closely with the organisation and its stakeholders as we promote the importance of water efficiency and put our ambition into action.”

She will formally assume the role from 14 September.

Severn Trent

Earlier this month, Severn Trent announced its independent non-executive director Philip Remnant, who also sits on audit and risk and treasury committees, will retire at the end of November. Remnant served for nine years and his duties in the committee’s will be taken over by Sharmila Nebhrajani who has sat as a non-executive director since 2020. Board member Gillian Sheldon was appointed as chair of the remuneration committee with effect from 1 November.

Christine Hodgson, company chair, said: “I would like to thank Philip very much for the significant contribution he has made to Severn Trent during his time on the board and in particular as chair of the remuneration committee. His expertise, professionalism and commitment have been greatly appreciated by the board and the company”.