News story

New appointments made to Ofgem board

Energy Secretary Edward Davey today announced the appointment of two new Non-Executive Directors to the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority…

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Energy Secretary Edward Davey today announced the appointment of two new Non-Executive Directors to the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority (GEMA), which oversees the work of Ofgem, the independent energy regulator.

Keith Lough and Professor Paul Grout will both take up the posts today, following an open competition.

Edward Davey said:

“Ofgem has a crucial role to play in ensuring consumers get a fair deal, helping to maintain secure supplies and contributing to the low carbon agenda. It is essential that it has the right kind of leadership at board level.

“The new non-executive appointees bring a wide range of experience and skills to GEMA, and will positively help tackle the challenges faced by energy consumers going forward.”

GEMA, chaired by Lord Mogg KCMG, governs the direction and policies of the gas and electricity regulator Ofgem.

Notes for Editors

  1. These appointments have been made in accordance with the requirements of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.
  2. Both Keith Lough and Professor Paul Grout have been appointed to serve five year terms beginning on 1 October 2012 as Non-Executive Directors of the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority (GEMA).
  3. Keith Lough has over 30 years’ experience in the natural resources and energy sectors in finance and leadership roles, including a period as Finance Director of British Energy. He also holds Non-Executive Directorships in companies interested in mining and geophysical data interpretation for the oil and gas industry. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants.
  4. Paul Grout is Professor of Political Economy at the University of Bristol and was founding director of the Centre for Market and Public Organisation. He is a member of the Executive Committee, Council and trustee of the Royal Economic Society. He has published extensively on regulation and competition policy, has advised many UK and international government departments and public bodies on regulatory issues and has been an advisor to the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee.
  5. Ofgem operates under the direction and governance of GEMA, a non-ministerial government department which determines the strategy and decides on major policy issues. GEMA’s principal objective is to protect the interests of gas and electricity consumers, wherever appropriate, by promoting effective competition.
  6. Further information on GEMA can be found on the Ofgem website
Published 25 October 2012