National Grid plc announces Chief Executive Succession Plan

Following a comprehensive succession planning process both the Board and John believe it is the right time to transition leadership at National Grid. Zoë's proven track record makes her ideally qualified to guide National Grid into its next phase of growth.

Zoë will join from Shell plc ("Shell") where she was, until recently, Integrated Gas and Upstream Director and a member of the Executive Committee. Prior to Shell, Zoë held a number of progressively senior roles at Rio Tinto, including President and Chief Executive of the Iron Ore company of Canada. She has recently joined the board of Unilever plc as a Non-Executive Director.

Zoë will join the National Grid Board as Chief Executive Designate on 1 September 2025 and will be appointed Chief Executive on 17 November 2025. John will retire from the Board of Directors and his role as Chief Executive on 16 November 2025, enabling a seamless transition and orderly handover of responsibilities.

John joined National Grid as a graduate in 1991. During his time at the company he has held a variety of senior roles, including UK Director of Engineering, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President for the US Electricity Distribution & Generation business, Chief Operating Officer for UK Gas Distribution, and UK Chief Operating Officer, joining the National Grid Board as Executive Director, UK in 2014. He became Group Chief Executive in 2016.

Paula Reynolds, Chair, National Grid, said:

"The Board and I would like to thank John Pettigrew for his commitment and invaluable contribution to National Grid over the last three decades. His leadership as Chief Executive has been exemplary, driving the Group's strategic transformation, enabling the energy transition and delivering significant shareholder value. He will leave the Group in a strong financial and operational position to deliver on the exciting growth opportunity ahead."

"We are delighted to have found such a talented and worthy successor in Zoë Yujnovich, someone who is highly regarded in, and has wide experience of, the energy sector. An internationalist in outlook, she has a strong sense of purpose and is an inspiring leader. Further, she will arrive with a notable track record of delivering complicated, large scale capital projects in complex political environments."

John Pettigrew, Chief Executive, National Grid, said:

"It has been an immense honour for me to lead the company I joined as a graduate. All that I have achieved has only been possible because of the many talented people I have had the privilege to work with and learn from."

"With our position as a leader in energy networks across the UK and US assured, we are well placed to take advantage of the growth opportunities ahead. I am delighted to hand over to Zoë Yujnovich who has all the attributes required to deliver on the significant growth opportunity ahead and to guide National Grid on the next stage of its journey."

"There is still much to deliver before I retire from my role in November. Until then I remain fully focussed on ensuring we don't miss a beat and that I leave National Grid in the strongest possible position."

Zoë Yujnovich, Chief Executive Designate, National Grid said:

"I am honoured to have been selected as National Grid's next Chief Executive. I look forward to building on the tremendous work of John Pettigrew and everyone at National Grid in establishing it as a world-leading business with the strongest of foundations.

"I firmly believe in the vital function energy companies play in driving change and creating value. On both sides of the Atlantic National Grid has an essential role to play in making energy secure, affordable and reliable for our customers and communities. I'm excited about leading National Grid as it delivers on the growth opportunities ahead."