The UK government has named Dan McGrail as the first permanent chief executive of Great British Energy, following a four-month interim tenure at the helm of the newly established publicly owned energy company.
McGrail, formerly CEO of RenewableUK and Siemens Engines, will lead the organisation from its headquarters in Aberdeen. His appointment comes as the government aims to accelerate the rollout of clean energy and bolster public ownership in the energy sector.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said McGrail’s leadership combines public service goals with strong private sector credentials.
“Dan has been a visionary leader as Great British Energy’s interim CEO and will bring world-class private sector experience to our publicly owned clean power company,” Miliband said. “I look forward to working with Dan to unleash the benefits of clean energy, driving growth and new jobs in communities.”
McGrail said the company will focus on scaling up investments in renewable power as it works to lower energy costs and meet the UK’s climate targets.
It is a privilege to take on the CEO role permanently and lead Great British Energy from our Aberdeen HQ at such a pivotal moment,” he said. “We are already delivering for British people, with schools and hospitals set to benefit from cheaper bills.
We will now focus on scaling up as Britain’s publicly owned energy company, making strategic investments that drive forward the government’s clean power mission and give people a stake in clean energy.
McGrail had been seconded from his position at RenewableUK since March. Jane Cooper, deputy CEO of the trade body, said he had left a lasting impact.
“Dan leaves RenewableUK in the strongest possible position to thrive,” she said.
Great British Energy was launched to support clean energy development and provide strategic public investment in projects such as wind, solar, and emerging technologies. The organisation is part of a wider policy push to enhance energy security and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
