SSE has appointed Martin Pibworth as its new chief executive, following a competitive recruitment process.
Current chief executive Alistair Phillips-Davies CBE announced his decision to retire from SSE in November 2024.
Pibworth will formally take over the helm following SSE’s annual general meeting (AGM) on 17 July.
He will earn a base salary of £970,000 per annum, which will be increased to over £1m next April.
Pibworth joined SSE in 1998 and has held a number of key commercial roles in the company over the last three decades, joining the Executive Committee in 2012 and the Board in 2017.
As chief commercial officer he has been overseeing SSE’s Renewables, Thermal, Energy Markets and Energy Customer Solutions businesses.
Outside SSE, he is chair of CBI Scotland and a longstanding Energy UK Board Member.
SSE chair Sir John Manzoni said: “The Board is delighted to have appointed Martin as our new chief executive.
“Martin is a proven industry leader, with deep sector experience and a highly strategic outlook, demonstrating all of the attributes needed to be a successful chief executive at this hugely exciting time for the company.
“The Board concluded that Martin was the outstanding candidate in a very competitive process and I look forward to supporting him as he leads SSE through the next phase of development and growth.”
Sir John also paid tribute to the outgoing chief executive Phillips-Davies.
“Alistair has been an exceptional chief executive, leading the company’s transition into being the UK and Ireland’s clean energy champion, whilst delivering true and lasting value for all of our stakeholders.
“As well as his legacy at SSE, his support in ensuring a smooth handover of responsibilities continues to be greatly appreciated.”
Pibworth said: “I’m excited to be leading SSE as the company embarks on its next stage of evolution and growth.
“As an integrated electricity group focused on the energy transition, we are well-placed for long-term growth from our established positions in networks, renewables and flexibility.
“In our highly dynamic operating environment, we have the capabilities and portfolio to manage complexity and volatility, whilst pivoting towards value as it emerges.
“I look forward to continuing to work with governments, shareholders and other stakeholders on powering society’s needs whilst creating sustainable value as we electrify the economy.”