Perth-based electricity infrastructure giant SSE plc announced the appointment of former National Grid CEO John Pettigrew as a new independent non-executive director.

Pettigrew will join the board on December 1, 2026.

“John will become a member of the Nomination Committee, Safety, Sustainability, Health and Environment Advisory Committee, and Energy Markets Risk Committee from the same date,” said SSE.

“John brings significant multinational blue-chip leadership experience with strategic, operational and regulatory expertise gained through an executive career spanning over 30 years at National Grid plc.

“Prior to retirement in November 2025, John served as Chief Executive Officer for 10 years, driving the company’s strategic transformation to focus on regulated electricity networks and leading major transactions across the energy value chain in both the UK and US.

“John is a Fellow of the Energy Institute and of the Institution of Energy and Technology, and was awarded a CBE in 2026 for services to energy.

“He currently serves as Senior Independent Director of Rentokil Initial plc and is a non-Executive Director of BAE Systems plc.

“Each Director of SSE plc is subject to annual re-election, and John’s appointment will be the subject of a resolution at the Company’s Annual General Meeting in 2027.”

SSE chair John Manzoni said: “I am delighted to welcome John to the Board as a distinguished business leader in regulated energy infrastructure.

“His exceptional experience of electricity networks, policy and regulation, and project delivery clearly align with SSE’s plans to invest £33bn in the energy transition out to 2030 and will deepen our insight and perspectives as we embark on a significant period of growth.”