Energy UK has announced Lord John Hutton will be its next chair.
Lord Hutton will succeed Sir David Arculus, who steps down from the role at the trade body’s annual general meeting on 7 December.
The former Labour MP for Barrow and Furness held a number of ministerial positions during his political career, including at the Department for Work and Pensions, the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform and latterly at the Ministry of Defence.
Lord Hutton stepped down as an MP in 2010 and in 2013 was appointed chair of the Nuclear Industry Council.
The peer said he was “delighted” to be joining Energy UK.
“The industry faces some great opportunities, as well as challenges, and I am looking forward to working with all our member companies in ensuring that the UK energy market remains competitive and dynamic,” said Hutton.
The chief executive of Energy UK, Lawrence Slade, said he “brings a wealth of experience” to the role.
“I’d like to thank Sir David for the work he has done to ensure Energy UK is in the strong position it is today, with now 100 members spanning suppliers and generators big and small, enabling us to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead as we move to a digital, decarbonised smart energy future,” added Slade.