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News

David Laws appointed as Energy UK Chair

Energy UK has today announced the appointment of the Rt Hon David Laws as its new Chair. 

David will start in the New Year, taking over from Lord John Hutton who has been in the role since 2017.  

David was the Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil from 2001-2015 and is probably best known for serving in the Coalition Government as Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Schools Minister and Cabinet Officer Minister.

David is currently Executive Chairman of the Education Policy Institute, Chairman of the Education Partnerships Group, an adviser to GK Strategy and a Non-Executive Director at Fable Data. He is also a successful author having published books which include Coalition: The Inside Story of the Conservative-Liberal Democrat Coalition Government and Who Killed Kitchener? The Life and Death of Britain’s Most Famous War Minister.

David’s responsibilities will include chairing and managing the Energy UK Board, helping shape the organisation’s strategic agenda and working closely with the Chief Executive to provide advice and guidance when required. 

Commenting on his appointment, David Laws said:

“It’s an honour to be joining Energy UK as its new Chair. I’m really excited to get started and build on the great work the association already does to represent such a vital and diverse sector.

“The fundamental importance of the energy industry to our economy and everybody’s lives has probably never been more evident than at present. While the energy sector certainly faces very significant challenges right now, it also offers enormous potential to help us meet the challenges around climate change and boost the UK’s sustainable economic growth and productivity.”     

Emma Pinchbeck, Energy UK’s chief executive, also welcomed the appointment.

“We’re delighted to welcome David to Energy UK and I’m really looking forward to working with him in the New Year when I return from maternity leave.

“David will be invaluable in helping Energy UK to represent our industry at this time, as we look to tackle the causes and consequences of the current global energy crisis for our customers. We were delighted that David also strongly supports Net Zero, as we are committed to building a clean and affordable energy system to power the future, low-carbon economy. 

“I must also give heartfelt thanks to Lord John Hutton for all his support and wise counsel during my time as Chief Executive.”        

ENDS

 

About Energy UK

Energy UK is the trade association for the energy industry with over 100 members – from established FTSE 100 companies right through to new, growing suppliers, generators and service providers across energy, transport, heat and technology. We represent the majority of the energy sector – excluding networks and upstream oil and gas. Our members deliver nearly 80% of the UK’s power generation and over 95% of the energy supply for 28 million UK homes as well as businesses. The sector invests £13bn annually and delivers nearly £30bn in gross value – on top of the nearly £100bn in economic activity through its supply chain and interaction with other sectors – and supports over 700,000 jobs in every corner of the country. The energy industry is key to delivering growth and plans to invest £100bn over the course of this decade in new energy sources.