Great British Energy (GB Energy), the UK’s state-owned clean energy company, is set to begin the search for a chief executive to lead its operations from its Aberdeen headquarters. However, industry insiders suggest that securing the right candidate will be a challenging task, with no clear frontrunners emerging nearly six months after the company’s formation.
The government initially pledged in September to appoint an interim chief executive to oversee the establishment of GB Energy in Aberdeen. The company has been positioned as a key player in Britain’s transition to clean energy, with the ambition of accelerating the country’s shift toward renewable energy sources.
However, sources within the energy sector indicate that identifying a suitable candidate could be difficult. A chief executive will need the expertise to manage billions of pounds in public investment, yet also be willing to accept a civil servant’s salary and relocate to Aberdeen.
One senior industry executive noted that no names had yet been linked to the role. Another source highlighted the challenge of finding a candidate with the necessary clean energy experience, particularly among Aberdeen’s existing pool of energy professionals, many of whom come from the oil and gas sector. For those outside of Aberdeen, relocation may not be an attractive option.
The recruitment process is further complicated by the disparity in salaries between public and private sector roles, as well as the lengthy notice periods required for senior executives considering a move. A source familiar with the matter suggested that the government might find itself working with a smaller talent pool than initially expected.
Currently, GB Energy is led by former Siemens UK boss Jürgen Maier, who is based in Manchester, along with a five-member board of non-executive directors. The board includes Frances O’Grady, former general secretary of the TUC; Frank Mitchell, ex-chief of Scottish Power’s networks business; Kate Gilmartin, CEO of the British Hydropower Association; Nina Skorupska, former CEO of the Renewable Energy Association; and Valerie Todd, a former HR director at Siemens UK.
A source close to GB Energy acknowledged that the search for a CEO could be “challenging” given the location and salary constraints. The chief executive role will require full-time presence in Aberdeen, and officials hope the opportunity to serve the public interest will attract candidates who value impact over financial reward.
GB Energy was created as part of a wider initiative to invest public funds in renewable energy, supporting the UK’s climate goals while also strengthening the economy and reducing energy costs for households. With the CEO search now beginning, the government faces a crucial test in securing leadership that can deliver on these ambitious promises.
Stay tuned to London Pulse News for further updates on the CEO search and GB Energy’s progress in driving the UK’s clean energy future.
