He succeeds Roger Urwin, who becomes National Grid Group Chief Executive on 1 April 2001 upon the retirement of David Jones.
Steven Holliday, 44, has more than 20 years of experience in the energy industry. Most recently he was an Executive Director with British Borneo Oil and Gas, where he was responsible for the development of international business opportunities and played a leading role in the merger with Hardy Oil & Gas in 1998. Before joining British Borneo he was with the Exxon Group for 19 years where he held senior positions in operations and international business development.

James Ross, Chairman of National Grid, commented:

“We are delighted that, following an international search, Steven Holliday has been appointed to join the National Grid Board, bringing valuable operational expertise and wide-ranging international business development experience from the oil and gas industry. His skills are complementary to those of Roger Urwin and Rick Sergel, who leads our growing US business, both of whom have extensive electricity sector experience.”

Roger Urwin added:

"Steven’s experience managing capital intensive operations that demand the highest reliability and safety performance while constantly improving efficiency, is highly relevant to our UK transmission business.

"In addition, his broad international experience will enhance our ability to identify and exploit opportunities in electricity markets in Europe and beyond.

"Steven's skills will integrate well into what is already an exceptionally strong UK management team."