Lawrence Slade, the chief executive of Energy UK, is stepping down at the end of this year.
Slade joined the industry body in 2011 and became its chief executive in January 2015.
He has been involved in the energy industry since the late 1990s, working around the world.
In a statement accompanying the announcement of his departure, Slade said: “After 9 enjoyable years at Energy UK engaging with three prime ministers, five secretary of states and many energy and climate change ministers, it is time for me to move to pastures new.
“I am immensely proud of the team at Energy UK and of our ability to consistently punch above our weight – from launching the independently-chaired Commission for Customers in Vulnerable Circumstances to work with the government on the capacity market, to our thriving new energy services and heat work and not forgetting our recent future of energy on how we can deliver the net-zero ambition.
“The organisation is in an excellent position and the association has the team, financial sustainability and support of its board to navigate this and continue growing as the market transitions on the net-zero path.”
Meanwhile Energy UK chair John Hutton said: “Lawrence has done an outstanding job for Energy UK. He has been a great advocate for the energy sector and has led the organisation through some terribly challenging times.
“I know we would all want to wish him well for the future and thank him for his tireless efforts on our behalf.”
No announcement has been made on Slade’s successor but Energy UK added the recruitment process will begin shortly.
The outgoing chief executive is a member of the government’s Committee on Fuel Poverty, an advisory board member of Connected Kerb, a board trustee and audit committee member of the Money Advice Trust (which runs the National Debt Helpline and Small Business Debt Helpline), and a board director of Eurelectric and Eurogas – pan European trade associations for the electricity and gas industries respectively.