New Ofgem Senior Leadership Team arrangements
News
- Publication date
Ofgem is delighted to announce several new appointments to our Senior Leadership Team.
Director General, Infrastructure
Ofgem has appointed Akshay Kaul as Director General, Infrastructure.
Akshay joined Ofgem in 2017 and prior to his promotion was Director of Networks responsible for the economic regulation of Great Britain’s energy networks. This includes the development of the next generation of onshore network price controls called RIIO2, the regulation of offshore transmission infrastructure, and the delivery of an ambitious cross-border interconnection programme through the cap and floor regime.
On his appointment, Akshay has said that he is: ‘incredibly privileged to lead the group at this most exciting of times. Net zero will require a tremendous investment in grid and generation infrastructure; but also, the creation of an intelligent system where the demand can flex to follow variable supply.’
Director General, Markets
Ofgem has appointed Tim Jarvis as Director General, Markets.
Joining from HMT, Tim will lead our efforts to ensure fair prices for customers and a resilient retail market, while protecting the most vulnerable in a journey towards a low-cost transition to net zero.
Tim has said: ‘I am delighted to be joining Ofgem at such an important and exciting time for the sector. I do not underestimate the challenge, as we transition to net zero, of creating a more stable, viable and innovative market where customers are protected and treated fairly and reasonably.’
Chief Operating Officer
Ofgem has appointed Melinda Johnson as Chief Operating Officer.
Joining in August 2023, Melinda will support the chief executive and the board on the continued development of the organisation.
Melinda joins from six years as Commercial Director at the Department of Health and Social Care and recently said she is: ‘absolutely delighted to be joining Ofgem this summer and cannot wait to get started. I cannot think of a sector that is more exciting and rewarding to work within right now.’
Rich Smith has transitioned to the role of interim Chief Operating Officer to support the transition to Melinda Johnson in August.
Security and Resilience Officer
Ofgem has appointed Charlotte Friel as the Security and Resilience Officer for Ofgem.
Charlie’s delegated authority will empower her to make critical decisions regarding the security of supply work. She will also provide advice to the Board and the government on measures necessary to mitigate risks to suppliers during the upcoming winters.
Director of Cyber Regulation
Ofgem has appointed Stuart Okin as the Director of Cyber Regulation.
Stuart is a Cyber and Digital leader who joined Ofgem in 2019. He has been responsible for setting up the Cyber Regulatory function at Ofgem, leading to the implementation of Downstream, Gas & Electricity Network & Information Systems (NIS) compliance frameworks, as well as technical guidance for RIIO Price Control investment.
Interim Director for System Planning, Engineering, and Technology (SPEnT)
Ofgem has appointed Peter Bingham as the interim Director for System Planning, Engineering, and Technology (SPEnT).
Peter joined Ofgem in 2017 as Chief Engineer and was previously Interim Director of Analysis and Assurance, looking after the Regulatory Finance, Office of Research & Economics, and Engineering Hub functions.
Director of Delivery and Schemes
Neil Lawrence has transitioned to Director of Delivery and Schemes.
Neil will lead our efforts to drive up supplier standards and compliance while delivering schemes crucial to our net zero journey. Neil joined Ofgem in July 2021 and previously lead the Retail directorate.
Director of Retail
Neil Kenward will assume overall responsibility for the Retail Directorate in his capacity as Interim Director General, Markets, until Tim Jarvis starts as new Director General, Markets in September, in addition to his role as Director Strategy & Decarbonisation and ORE.