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Renewable UK has announced the current boss of Siemens Engines will become the trade body’s next chief executive, taking up the position in May.
Dan McGrail joined Siemens UK in 2004 and has worked in a variety of roles across the energy industry. 
Between 2010 and 2014, the incoming chief executive led Siemens’ plans to develop and invest in offshore wind turbine manufacturing in the UK, securing the offshore wind turbine blade factory and port facility in Hull, negotiating with the UK government and overseeing one of the most significant factory investments in the company’s recent history.
The final investment decision of £160 million was announced in 2014, alongside a £150 million investment by Associated British Ports to revitalise Hull’s Alexandra Dock.
As managing director of Siemens Power Generation from 2014-2017, he expanded Siemens UK’s activities in the thermal power market. He became the Siemens Engines chief in November 2017, leading the rebranding of the company and helping to secure significant growth.
He is additionally vice chair of the Association of Decentralised Energy and served as its chair from 2016 to 2019. He set up the Heat Network Industry Council to engage politicians and drive policy reform to build zero carbon heat networks.
Speaking of his appointment, McGrail said “I’m very excited to be taking up this new role representing over four-hundred of the most dynamic companies working in the entire energy sector. Renewable UK’s members are driving the energy transition faster than anyone could have predicted, from our world-leading offshore wind industry to onshore wind and innovative marine power, energy storage and renewable hydrogen.
“We’ll need all these technologies to get to net zero at the lowest cost for consumers and I can’t wait to start working with Renewable UK members as they invest in projects across the country, create thousands of new jobs and grow the UK supply chain in the years ahead.”
Outgoing Renewable UK chief Hugh McNeal said: “Renewable UK is delivering for our members and I’m confident that it will go from strength to strength with Dan in charge. He will be an outstanding CEO; he’s a creative entrepreneur with an exceptionally strong track record on bringing the industrial benefits of wind energy to the UK at scale.
“Having worked closely with him on the Hull project, I know how much he cares about continuing to expand the supply chain as a priority for the industry.”
The trade body’s chair Stephen Bull said: “Dan is passionate about the energy transition and about creating an open, inclusive and diverse working environment which will attract talented people from a wide range of backgrounds to join us as we build the energy system of the future.”
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