The director general (DG) for energy transformation and clean growth at the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has stepped down, with his role split into two, one of which will be based in Manchester, Utility Week has learnt.
Julian Critchlow is understood to be retired after holding the post since May 2018.
The Cambridge University chemical engineering graduate joined BEIS after a near 30-year career at Bain & Company.
He had worked at the management consultancy since 1987, rising to become a partner and head of its global utilities & alternative energy practice.
BEIS confirmed that Critchlow is leaving government and that his role is being divided into two.
The department has just finished advertising for two new DG net zero roles.
A new role of DG net zero buildings and industry, reporting directly to the department’s permanent secretary Sarah Munby, is being created.
The new role will be based in Manchester and will be “central to establishing a substantial presence” for the department in the city, according to a job advert, with a remit to ensure that the net zero programme delivers jobs and economic opportunities across the UK.
The advert says they will be responsible for delivering the majority of the large, complex programmes across the net zero and energy portfolio, including heat and industry.
The £130,000 role will involve the oversight of 550 staff based across the UK and responsibility for a £4.6 billion budget.
BEIS has also advertised for a DG net zero strategy and international.