Joanna Whittington
SGN has appointed Joanna Whittington as an independent non-executive director.
Joanna brings a wealth of experience to SGN, having held high-profile roles in government, regulation, transport and energy sectors. She will provide independent oversight and constructive challenge to SGN’s senior management team on issues including strategy and performance.
As Director General, Energy and Security at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) from 2018 until 2022, Joanna was at the heart of the Government’s plans to secure long-term supply, decarbonise the energy market and deliver net zero.
She has a strong track record in energy and regulation which included a 14-year stint at the energy regulator Ofgem from 1999. As Ofgem’s Partner for Markets, she was responsible for regulation of the wholesale gas and electricity markets. She also oversaw economic regulation and competition at the rail regulator, the ORR, where she was initially Director of Markets and Economics from 2014 before taking the helm as Chief Executive in 2016.
Joanna will take over from Laura Sandys who is stepping down as an independent non-executive director, having served for five years.
Highly experienced and talented leader
SGN Chair Nick Salmon said: “Joanna is a highly experienced and talented leader who is well regarded across the energy and regulatory sectors.
"We are thrilled to announce her appointment and I’m certain she will provide strong support in helping us deliver our strategic ambitions. She arrives as we are stepping up preparations for the next price control, which will take us into the 2030s and will be fundamental to the delivery of our plan for an enduring and thriving SGN.
“I’d also like to thank Laura, especially in the capacity as the Chair of our Stakeholder and ESG Committee. She has made a hugely valuable contribution to our business, and we have benefitted greatly from her innovative approach.”
Joanna Whittington said: “I’m excited to be joining SGN at such a critical time for our country’s journey to net zero. I look forward to working closely with colleagues to contribute to the company’s future success as we continue to keep our six million customers safe and warm.”
