SSE plc, the Perth-based electricity infrastructure giant, announced that Catherine Raw, managing director of its SSE Thermal business, will leave on April 12, 2024, to take up an opportunity at global mining company BHP in Australia.

BHP said Raw has been hired as its chief development officer.

“Catherine joined SSE in early 2022 following a successful career in mining firm, Barrick Gold, where she held senior positions in North America,” said SSE.

“As managing director of SSE Thermal, Catherine currently oversees the strategy, performance and development of the company’s flexible power generation and energy storage activities.

“SSE Thermal has performed very strongly in recent years, underlining its importance to the group.”

SSE has commenced a recruitment process for a successor.

After Raw’s departure, chief commercial officer Martin Pibworth will “provide additional support to the business whilst her successor is recruited and onboarded.”

Pibworth said: “We thank Catherine for her work over the last two years where she has made a real impact, overseeing the thermal business as it continues to go from strength to strength.

“SSE Thermal has an extremely bright future built around hugely talented people, world-class assets and partnerships, and a growing low-carbon pipeline which can make a huge difference as the UK and Ireland decarbonises whilst maintaining secure electricity supplies.

“Whilst it is sad to see Catherine leave, I have every confidence that her successor will have a very strong hand to play as SSE Thermal helps provide the flexibility needed to transition to and then embed a net zero energy system”.

BHP said: “With a background in geoscience and fund management, Catherine has a demonstrated track record as a strategic and commercially oriented executive able to execute growth opportunities globally.

“Catherine will replace BHP’s current chief development officer, Johan van Jaarsveld, as he steps into the chief technical officer role, which was announced on 7 December 2023 as part of BHP’s updates to the executive leadership team.”