Melanie Onn, Deputy Chief Executive of RenewableUK (RUK), will step down from her role at the end of March. Onn joined the trade body in February 2020 and has played a critical role in helping the organization navigate the challenges posed by Covid-19. She worked closely with government and industry officials to identify and resolve risks to vital sector activity during the lockdown period.
Onn has also been instrumental in shaping the social and economic impact of the energy transition. Drawing on her experience of how renewables investment can create opportunities and economic activity in her hometown of Grimsby, she led several initiatives aimed at this goal. One of these initiatives was the development of an industry-leading Just Transition Tracker framework, which outlines the sector's commitment to supporting people and places in the switch to clean energy.
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In addition, Onn acted as the lead for the Offshore Wind Industry Council's (OWIC) “Investment in Talent” workstream, where she developed the sector's workforce and skills. Under her leadership, OWIC produced the first annual Skills Intelligence Report, which sets out workforce growth in the years ahead as well as new targets and best practice guidance to build a workforce that better represents society.
Onn also implemented and developed RUK's Shadow Board, which provides a platform for the sector's future leaders to gain Board-level experience and bring fresh ideas and perspectives to RenewableUK's leadership. Her leadership in this area has been recognized with RUK's nomination for the Trade Association Forum's 2023 Diversity & Inclusion award.
Melanie Onn said: “I'm incredibly proud of the significant impact RenewableUK has had in driving forward policies to deliver net zero.”
RenewableUK CEO Dan McGrail praised Onn for her fantastic work on behalf of RenewableUK members and her championing of the industry and what it can offer to individuals and communities in all parts of the UK. He said “Mel has embodied the values of diversity, inclusivity and leadership that we need in the transition to net zero.”
