National Grid has appointed Zoë Yujnovich as its next chief executive, succeeding John Pettigrew after almost 10 years in the post.

Yujnovich will join from Shell where she was integrated gas and upstream director and member of the Executive Committee,

Pettigrew will retire from his role effective 16 November 2025.

The appointment, says National Grid in a release, follows a comprehensive succession planning process.

Yujnovich joins from Shell plc, prior to which she 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.

Said Yujnovich: “I am honoured to have been selected as National grid guide’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.”

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Yujnovich will join the National Grid Board as chief executive designate on 1 September 2025 and will be appointed chief executive on 17 November 2025.

Said Pettigrew: “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.”

Pettigrew 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.

“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.”