National Grid Appoints Zoë Yujnovich as New Chief Executive to Lead the Next Phase of Growth

National Grid Appoints Zoë Yujnovich as New Chief Executive to Lead the Next Phase of Growth

(IN BRIEF) National Grid plc has announced the appointment of Zoë Yujnovich as its new Chief Executive, effective 17 November 2025. She will succeed John Pettigrew, who is retiring after nearly 10 years in the role. Zoë joins from Shell and has extensive experience in leadership positions at both Shell and Rio Tinto. She will assume the role of Chief Executive Designate on 1 September 2025, with a seamless leadership transition expected.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 2-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — National Grid plc (“National Grid”), a global leader in energy networks, is pleased to announce the appointment of Zoë Yujnovich as its next Chief Executive. Zoë will succeed John Pettigrew, who has decided to retire after nearly 10 years in the role, effective 16 November 2025.

After a thorough succession planning process, both the Board and John believe it is the right time for a leadership transition. Zoë’s extensive experience and proven track record make her the ideal candidate to lead National Grid into its next phase of growth.

Zoë joins National Grid from Shell plc (“Shell”), where she served as Integrated Gas and Upstream Director and was a member of the Executive Committee. Prior to Shell, Zoë held various senior positions at Rio Tinto, including President and CEO of the Iron Ore Company of Canada. Additionally, she has recently joined the board of Unilever plc as a Non-Executive Director.

Zoë will assume the position of Chief Executive Designate on 1 September 2025 and will officially take on the role of Chief Executive on 17 November 2025. John will retire from the National Grid Board and his role as Chief Executive on 16 November 2025, ensuring a smooth transition and orderly handover of responsibilities.

John Pettigrew joined National Grid in 1991 as a graduate and has held numerous senior positions during his time with the company. He became Group Chief Executive in 2016, leading the company through a period of significant strategic transformation, enabling the energy transition and driving shareholder value. Under his leadership, National Grid has become a leader in energy networks across both the UK and US.

Paula Reynolds, Chair of National Grid, commented: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to John Pettigrew for his outstanding leadership and commitment to National Grid over the past three decades. His contributions have been transformative, and he leaves the company in a strong financial and operational position. We are confident that Zoë Yujnovich, with her deep experience and inspiring leadership, will continue this legacy and guide National Grid through the exciting growth opportunities ahead.”

John Pettigrew, outgoing Chief Executive, said: “It has been a great privilege to lead National Grid, the company I joined as a graduate. The achievements we’ve made together have been possible thanks to the incredible people I’ve worked with. As I prepare to hand over to Zoë, I am confident in National Grid’s strong position and future success.”

Zoë Yujnovich, Chief Executive Designate, expressed her enthusiasm, saying: “I am truly honored to be appointed as National Grid’s next Chief Executive. I look forward to building on John Pettigrew’s remarkable work and leading National Grid in delivering secure, affordable, and reliable energy for our customers and communities. The energy sector plays a vital role in driving change, and I’m excited about the opportunities to further strengthen National Grid’s position as a world-leading energy company.”

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SOURCE: National Grid