Energy UK has confirmed the appointment of Emma Pinchbeck as chief executive following Laurence Slade’s departure late last year.
Pinchbeck is to replace interim chief executive Audrey Gallacher, who stepped up to take the reigns whilst a permanent successor to Slade was located.
Pinchbeck will take over the role on a part-time basis in July 2020 after a period of maternity leave, becoming full-time in September.
She joins Energy UK from RenewableUK, where she was Deputy CEO from 2016-2020, as well as sitting on the trade body’s Board and the Board of Scottish Renewables.
“The energy transition is upon us, and I am thrilled to be joining Energy UK at this critical time,” Pinchbeck said, adding that the energy transition is not “a niche green movement but an economic shift”, with Energy UK members showing global leadership.
“I am delighted that as chief executive of Energy UK, I will be in a position to support them as the transition gathers pace and, with my track record of working on climate change, I look forward to bringing my experience to help our members to achieve their decarbonisation ambitions – particularly in the year that the UK Government will host COP26 in Glasgow.”
Pinchbeck also holds several board advisory positions, including with Imperial College and Innovate UK. Prior to joining RenewableUK, she was head of the Climate Change team at WWF UK.
Her appointment to Energy UK was made by the Board of the association.
Lord Hutton, chairman of Energy UK, praised Pinchbeck’s expertise, experience and passion for working towards net zero.
“I know Emma will be the right person to lead the organisation during this time of considerable change and that she, with the wider Energy UK team, will continue to ensure we have a clear and influential voice on the key issues facing the sector and that our members’ voice is heard.”
