Steve Holliday, who was at the helm of National Grid for almost 10 years, is to be the next Energy Institute (EI) president.
He will take over from Malcolm Brinded at the end of his term in July 2019.
Holliday has been vice-president of the EI for two years and was nominated as president-elect by the organisation’s council and appointed by its members at the annual general meeting yesterday (3 July).
He joined National Grid Group as the board director responsible for the UK and Europe in March 2001, going on to become chief executive of the company in January 2007 and remaining in the role until March 2016 when he was replaced by John Pettigrew.
Prior to joining National Grid, Holliday was on the board of British Borneo Oil and Gas and was responsible for the development of its international businesses in Brazil, Australia and West Africa.
He spent much of his early career with Exxon, where he held senior roles in refining, shipping and international gas.
Brinded said: “Steve’s experience, enthusiasm and profile across the energy industry make him a superb choice to lead the Energy Institute.
“The energy sector is transforming more rapidly than for a century – and is central to many global economic and environmental challenges. I know that Steve will ensure the Energy Institute continues to build our role in helping to address these issues.”
Holliday, a fellow of both the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Energy Institute, added: “Following in the footsteps of so many inspiring figures will be a huge privilege and Malcolm will certainly be a hard act to follow.
“But I’m excited at the agenda the EI is pursuing, equipping professionals and bringing their expertise to bear as the world’s economies rise to the big energy and climate change challenges ahead.”
Holliday is also the chairman of Senvion, deputy chairman of Convatec and chairman of the board of trustees at Crisis, the homeless charity.
He volunteers his time as vice-chairman of the Careers and Enterprise Company, vice-chairman of Business in the Community and now as president-elect of the EI.