SSE has appointed ex-UK civil service chief John Manzoni as board chair to succeed Richard Gillingwater.
Manzoni, who was also Permanent Secretary to the Cabinet Office until earlier this year, will take the role from 1 April 2021 after a period working with his processor from September this year to “ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities”.
The appointment follows an independent recruitment process supported by the executive search firm Sam Allen Associates, said SSE.
Manzoni was also a former senior executive at BP and Talisman Energy.
Gillingwater said: “After a comprehensive and rigorous selection process, we are very pleased that John has agreed to lead the Board. As well as having had a very successful executive career in energy, his recent experience within the public sector will provide a hugely valuable perspective as SSE seeks to work with government, regulators and other stakeholders to deliver on the net zero transition.”
Manzoni added: “With a strong, purpose-led management team, clear strategic focus and a pipeline of low-carbon investment opportunities, SSE is uniquely placed to lead the green economic recovery and to deliver value for shareholders and society through the transition to net zero emissions.”