National Grid plc Announces CEO Succession Plan
National Grid plc (“National Grid”), a leader in energy networks, has officially announced the appointment of Zoë Yujnovich as its next Chief Executive. She will take over from John Pettigrew, who, after nearly a decade at the helm, has decided to retire from his position, effective November 16, 2025. The planned leadership transition marks an important moment for National Grid, as the company moves into its next phase of growth and strategic development.
This decision follows a comprehensive succession planning process, where both the National Grid Board and John Pettigrew mutually agreed that the time is right for a leadership transition. Zoë Yujnovich, with her extensive experience in the energy sector, is considered the ideal candidate to guide National Grid into its next chapter of transformation and progress.
Zoë Yujnovich’s extensive career makes her an exceptional choice for the role of Chief Executive. She will be joining National Grid from Shell plc (“Shell”), where she most recently served as the Integrated Gas and Upstream Director and a member of the Executive Committee. During her tenure at Shell, Yujnovich gained considerable experience in managing complex operations and leading teams at the forefront of energy innovation. Her background also includes senior leadership positions at Rio Tinto, where she served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Iron Ore Company of Canada. In addition, Zoë has recently been appointed as a Non-Executive Director on the board of Unilever plc, adding another dimension to her diverse portfolio of leadership roles.
Yujnovich will officially begin her tenure with National Grid as Chief Executive Designate on September 1, 2025, joining the National Grid Board. She will officially assume the role of Chief Executive on November 17, 2025, ensuring a seamless leadership transition. John Pettigrew will retire from the National Grid Board and step down from his role as Chief Executive on November 16, 2025. This timeline has been designed to allow for an orderly and structured handover of responsibilities, which will ensure the company continues its momentum and remains poised to meet the future challenges of the energy sector.
A Legacy of Leadership: John Pettigrew’s Contribution to National Grid
John Pettigrew has been with National Grid for an impressive 34 years, starting as a graduate in 1991. Over the years, he has held various senior roles within the company, steadily building his reputation as a capable and visionary leader. His extensive experience within National Grid includes serving as UK Director of Engineering, Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President for the US Electricity Distribution & Generation business, Chief Operating Officer for UK Gas Distribution, and UK Chief Operating Officer. In 2014, he joined the National Grid Board as Executive Director for the UK division, and in 2016, he was appointed Group Chief Executive.
Under John’s leadership, National Grid has undergone significant transformation, strengthening its position as a leader in energy networks in both the UK and the US. His strategic direction and commitment to advancing the energy transition have been central to National Grid’s success, driving both operational excellence and shareholder value. Notable achievements include expanding the company’s global presence, focusing on renewable energy sources, and making significant investments in energy infrastructure.
Paula Reynolds, Chair of National Grid, expressed her deep gratitude for John Pettigrew’s contributions to the company: “On behalf of the Board and everyone at National Grid, I would like to thank John for his remarkable leadership and dedication to National Grid over the past three decades. His leadership has been instrumental in transforming the company and ensuring it is well-positioned for future growth. We wish him the very best in his retirement.”
Reynolds continued, emphasizing the significance of the leadership transition: “John has steered National Grid through significant changes in the energy landscape. Under his guidance, we have become a truly global leader in energy networks, and we now have a tremendous opportunity to expand on this success. Zoë Yujnovich brings a wealth of experience and expertise, and we are confident that she will lead National Grid to even greater heights.”
John Pettigrew’s Reflection on His Career
Reflecting on his tenure at National Grid, John Pettigrew shared his gratitude and pride in the company’s achievements. “It has been an immense honor to lead the company I joined as a graduate,” he said. “All that I have achieved has been made possible because of the many talented people I have had the privilege to work with and learn from. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am confident that National Grid is in a strong position to continue delivering for our customers and stakeholders.”
Pettigrew also emphasized the company’s strong financial and operational position as it moves forward. “With National Grid’s leadership in energy networks across the UK and US secured, we are well-placed to capitalize on the growth opportunities ahead. I am confident that Zoë Yujnovich has all the attributes required to lead the company in the next stage of its journey. Until my retirement in November, I remain fully focused on ensuring a smooth transition and leaving the company in the strongest possible position.”
Zoë Yujnovich’s Vision for National Grid
Zoë Yujnovich expressed her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to become National Grid’s next Chief Executive. “I am truly honored to have been selected as National Grid’s next Chief Executive,” she said. “John has done an outstanding job leading the company, and I look forward to building on the tremendous work of everyone at National Grid to further establish it as a world-leading business with a strong foundation for the future.”
Yujnovich emphasized the essential role energy companies play in shaping the future and creating value for both customers and communities. “I firmly believe in the vital function energy companies play in driving change and creating value,” she said. “National Grid has a crucial role to play in making energy secure, affordable, and reliable for our customers and communities on both sides of the Atlantic. I am excited about leading National Grid as it delivers on the growth opportunities ahead and continues to evolve as a forward-thinking and customer-centric company.”
As the world faces increasing challenges related to energy security, sustainability, and affordability, National Grid remains committed to investing in infrastructure, innovation, and a cleaner, greener energy future. Under Zoë Yujnovich’s leadership, the company will continue to build on its strong foundations, with a focus on modernizing energy systems, supporting the global energy transition, and ensuring long-term value for all stakeholders.
A Bright Future for National Grid
National Grid’s leadership succession plan reflects the company’s commitment to ensuring long-term stability, growth, and success. As Zoë Yujnovich prepares to take the reins from John Pettigrew, National Grid enters an exciting new chapter with a clear vision for the future. The company remains steadfast in its mission to meet the growing energy needs of its customers, drive innovation in the energy sector, and lead the way in the transition to a more sustainable and low-carbon energy system.
With the experience and expertise of both John Pettigrew and Zoë Yujnovich, National Grid is poised for continued success as it navigates the complex and ever-changing energy landscape. The company’s strategic priorities, including investments in clean energy, digitalization, and infrastructure modernization, will continue to shape its growth trajectory in the years to come.
As Zoë Yujnovich prepares to lead National Grid into this new phase, the energy sector will be watching closely to see how the company builds on its strong legacy and continues to drive positive change for the communities it serves. The future of energy is bright, and National Grid, under new leadership, is well-positioned to remain a key player in this transformation.
