David Smith will step down as Chief Executive of Energy Networks Association (ENA) at the end of the year after nearly two decades in the organisation.
David Smith said:
“After nearly two decades at ENA, the time is right for a change, both for ENA and for me, and I have decided to step down at the end of the year.
“I am immensely proud of the team I have built up at ENA and the work we have achieved during my time here, taking the organisation from a small 17-person technical trade association to a globally respected industry association, launching our national single emergency number – Power Cut? Call 105 – to our most recent response to the global pandemic and the green recovery.
“I will be leaving ENA well placed to continue supporting its members meet the challenge of delivering energy to communities safely, sustainably and reliably – a challenge more important today than ever before.”
Phil Jones, Chair of Energy Networks Association, said:
“David has done a fantastic job for the industry during his time at ENA, overseeing our involvement in massive transformations in the sector, working with eight Secretaries of State to represent the UK and Ireland’s electricity and gas networks. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank him for his significant contribution. We wish him every success for whatever he chooses to do next.”
Notes to editor
David will remain in post until the end of the year, working with the Board to appoint his successor. Recruitment is under way and the process is being managed by ENA’s Board.
Biography
David joined ENA in July 2003 and was appointed Chief Executive in October 2007.
Before joining ENA, he was Director of Corporate Affairs at the British Retail Consortium where he was responsible for the retail industry implementation of ‘Chip & Pin’ in the UK.
David is Non-Executive Board Member of the South Tees Development Corporation, the first Mayoral Development Corporation to be established outside London to oversee the redevelopment of the former Redcar Steelworks and a Board member of Teesside Freeport, the UK’s largest Freeport.
David is a Fellow of the Energy Institute, a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Fuellers and a Member of the Institute of Directors and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
About Energy Networks Association
Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the industry body representing the electricity wires, gas pipes and energy system in the UK and Ireland.
ENA helps its members meet the challenge of delivering electricity and gas to communities across the UK and Ireland safely, sustainably and reliably.
Its members include every major electricity and gas network operator in the UK and Ireland, independent operators, National Grid ESO which operates the electricity system in Great Britain and National Gas which operates the gas system in Great Britain. Its affiliate membership also includes companies with an interest in energy, including Heathrow Airport and Network Rail.
What are energy network operators?
Energy network operators manage and maintain the wires, pipes and other infrastructure which delivers electricity and gas to your home, business and community. They are private companies which are regulated by Ofgem and employ around 40,000 people in Great Britain.