SGN CEO Mark Wild OBE has been appointed as the chair of the Energy & Utility Skills Partnership (EUSP), the leading body which identifies and addresses the skills challenges in the utilities sector.
Mark will chair the EUSP’s CEO Council and will engage at a strategic level with policymakers and stakeholders on behalf of the organisation.
The EUSP is a voluntary partnership of 30 energy and utilities companies and their major supply chain partners. It provides leadership for the gas, power, water and waste management industries on issues including skills and workforce renewal.
Responding to his appointment, Mark said: “People working across the energy and utilities sector have a pivotal role on the frontline making sure communities are safe, warm and have access to the critical services they need. In addition, our industries are at the heart of the UK’s ambitions to achieve net zero by 2050 and improve our environment.
Diverse, skilled workforce
“I’m particularly pleased to be chairing the Partnership, to ensure that as society tackles these challenges our industries have the diverse, skilled workforce they will need into the future. I’m passionate about equipping the workforce of today with the skills they will need tomorrow. That’s why in my first year at SGN we have invested in our workforce and doubled our training and apprenticeship opportunities to build a talent pipeline for years to come.”
Mark joined energy network SGN in August 2022, having held senior roles in the transport and power sectors. Most recently as CEO of Crossrail he was responsible for the completion and successful opening of the Elizabeth line.
As chair of the EUSP, Mark is taking over from Michael Lewis, CEO of Uniper, and former CEO of E.ON UK.
Phil Beach, Chief Executive of Energy & Utility Skills, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Mark Wild to this significant role. His commitment and passion for skills and people shines through in all he does, and he will bring a wealth of experience to bear at this pivotal time for our sector.”
Five-year strategy
The EUSP is three years into its five-year strategy and its current focus is centred on sector attraction and retention, improving equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and securing the workforce and skills needed to deliver the UK’s ambitious net zero and environmental ambitions.
The Partnership has also played a leading role in the government-industry Green Jobs Delivery Group, where industry views and data have been co-ordinated to provide a clear picture of skills demands and solutions.