Electricity North West appoints next chief executive

Ian Smyth has been appointed as the next chief executive of Electricity North West, succeeding Peter Emery who last month announced he is to step down.

Ian brings more than 25 years of experience working within major UK and international utilities, with his experience spanning electricity, water and gas.

He joins from UK Power Networks (UKPN), the UK’s largest electricity distribution network operator which delivers services to the largest national infrastructure projects including Heathrow, Gatwick and Stanstead airports, High Speed 1, Canary Wharf and London Underground.

Ian will take up his new post later in the year. Peter Emery will remain as chief executive until this transition completes.

Alistair Buchanan, chairman of Electricity North West, said: "Ian brings an established track record of delivering value and customer service for all stakeholders. The board believes that Ian is a great fit for Electricity North West and is well qualified to lead the business into ED2, its next business plan phase, leading and facilitating the switch of the North West to a low carbon economy in an efficient and cost effective manner.

"Ian will be building on the legacy of Peter Emery and I would also like to thank Peter again for his outstanding contribution to Electricity North West over the past six years. During his tenure, Peter led Electricity North West to become a leading DNO with significant improvements in safety, reliability, customer satisfaction and efficiency."