SSE, the Perth-based renewable energy and power networks giant, announced that former Barrick Gold and Blackrock executive Catherine Raw will join the company as managing director of SSE Thermal.

SSE said Raw will be responsible for the strategy, performance and development of the company’s flexible power generation and energy storage activities.

Raw will join SSE in April 2022, reporting to SSE board member and group energy and commercial director Martin Pibworth.

The vacancy for the SSE Thermal managing director role was created due to Stephen Wheeler moving across to lead the SSE Renewables business earlier this year.

SSE said: “Catherine will join SSE Thermal with extensive operational and commercial experience, having served as both Chief Operating Officer for North America and Chief Financial Officer for international metals and mining firm, Barrick Gold.

“Prior to this, she was a managing director and fund manager at BlackRock, the world’s largest fund management company.

“Moving into the energy sector, Catherine brings with her vast expertise in operational and financial performance, as well as specialised knowledge of natural resources, commodity markets and investment management.”

Raw holds an MA in Natural Sciences from Downing College, University of Cambridge, an MSc in Mineral Project Appraisal from Imperial College London and is a CFA charterholder.

“As part of SSE’s Net Zero Acceleration Programme, which will see £12.5bn invested in low-carbon infrastructure by 2026, SSE Thermal is focused on decarbonising its power generation and energy storage activities using CCS and hydrogen technologies,” said the Perth company, currently the biggest listed firm run from Scotland.

“The business is currently progressing plans with Equinor for first-of-a-kind, CCS-equipped power stations at Keadby in North Lincolnshire and Peterhead in the north-east of Scotland, which were recently submitted into the UK Government’s cluster sequencing competition.

“Additionally, the companies are working together on world-leading hydrogen projects in the Humber region.”

Raw said: “I’m proud to be joining a business right at the heart of the net zero transition, with clear and ambitious plans to invest in the low-carbon infrastructure needed to create a sustainable energy future.

“SSE Thermal is pioneering the technologies needed to back up renewable generation and providing the flexibility required for a stable and enduring transition to our net zero goals.

“I’m excited to get to work on bringing these world-leading projects to life in the years ahead.”

Pibworth said: “It’s a pivotal time for SSE Thermal as we look to decarbonise our flexible generation and energy storage assets, and Catherine’s extensive commercial and operational experience make her an ideal fit to lead the business through this journey.

“I’m looking forward to working with Catherine to turn our carbon capture and hydrogen projects into a reality, driving the transition to net zero while consistently creating value for shareholders and society.”