Emma Pinchbeck has left RenewableUK to become the new chief executive of Energy UK.
Energy UK said Pinchbeck (pictured), who was deputy chief executive at R-UK, will bring “valuable expertise and knowledge of the energy sector”.
Audrey Gallacher is currently interim chief executive of Energy UK following the departure of Lawrence Slade in December 2019.
Pinchbeck will take up the post in July on a part-time basis after maternity leave, ahead of starting full-time in September.
Energy UK chairman Lord Hutton said: “I am delighted that Emma will be our next chief executive.
“She will bring experience, expertise and a passion for working towards a net zero carbon energy sector, which is essential if we are to meet the future challenges we face both as an industry, and a country.
“It is an exciting time in the energy sector, with rapid change being seen in both the retail market and the power sector, and with new innovative products and services which are transforming the way customers interact with the market.
“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.”
Pinchbeck said: “The energy transition is upon us, and I am thrilled to be joining Energy UK at this critical time.
“The rapid innovation and technological advances in recent years mean that it is no longer necessary to compromise to get affordable, green and reliable power, and that is fantastic news for the UK economy and for British households.
“The energy transition is not a niche green movement but an economic shift at the heart of our energy system, and Energy UK members have shown global leadership in meeting the challenges and seizing the opportunities of this new market.
“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.”
R-UK chief executive Hugh McNeal said: “We wish Emma all the best in her exciting new role. She’s brought expertise and passion to RenewableUK’s work to deliver an energy transition with renewables at its heart.
“Since she joined us in 2016, Emma has provided fantastic support to our members and to me, and developed our talented advocacy team.
“I’m delighted to see her stepping up to become chief executive of Energy UK, where I’m sure she’ll make a big impact, and I look forward to continuing to work with her in this new role.”