Great British Energy names permanent chief executive as state owned power body scales up

Mace | 5th January 2026 | Trade Associations
Number 10 Downing Street is the headquarters and London residence of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Number 10 Downing Street is the headquarters and London residence of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Great British Energy appoints Dan McGrail as permanent chief executive as the publicly owned company moves from launch to delivery

Great British Energy has appointed a new chief executive as the publicly owned energy company moves into its next phase of leadership and growth. Dan McGrail was confirmed as the permanent chief executive officer of Great British Energy in July 2025, after serving as the company’s interim CEO earlier in the year. Great British Energy was set up under the Great British Energy Act 2025 as a state owned investment vehicle tasked with accelerating clean energy deployment across the United Kingdom. McGrail’s appointment followed a period during which he led the company on an interim basis beginning in March 2025. He had been seconded from his previous role as chief executive of RenewableUK, the trade association representing businesses involved in wind, wave, tidal, storage and green hydrogen technologies. Prior to that, he held senior positions in the energy sector, including roles at Siemens Engines. Great British Energy is headquartered in Aberdeen and is designed to play a central role in the government’s Plan for Change, the strategy to make the UK a leader in clean power generation. The company has a mandate to invest in and co develop projects across the clean energy spectrum, from renewables to energy storage, with an aim to boost domestic energy independence and deliver economic benefits to communities. On taking up the permanent role, McGrail secured significant investment commitments during his interim tenure, including a £1 billion allocation dedicated to strengthening clean energy supply chains. This funding targets infrastructure such as electric cables and floating offshore wind platforms, which are central to the UK’s transition to low carbon power. Great British Energy’s leadership team was built out alongside McGrail’s transition to permanent CEO. Earlier in 2025 the company’s board appointed five non executive directors with experience across trade unions, national energy networks and renewable industry bodies to provide strategic oversight as the organisation scales up. The company’s remit includes fostering collaborations with partners across the public and private sectors to deliver clean energy infrastructure projects. Great British Energy is also focused on supporting community energy initiatives and local supply chains, positioning itself as both a national investment body and a driver of regional economic activity. Great British Energy’s establishment formed part of broader government energy policy developments under the Great British Energy Act 2025, which provided the statutory basis for the company. The legislation set out provisions for investment in energy generation assets, sustainability objectives and value for public money, with oversight from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. McGrail’s leadership followed a period in which the company installed renewable technology at public institutions, including solar panels on schools and hospitals. These projects were intended to reduce energy costs for public bodies and reinvest savings into frontline services. The decision to base Great British Energy in Aberdeen reflects government efforts to anchor clean energy development in regions historically linked to the oil and gas industry. The company’s presence in Scotland aligns with wider plans to support industrial transition, skills retention and job creation in energy supply chains. The move from interim to permanent chief executive marked a key milestone as Great British Energy shifts from establishment to full operational delivery. The appointment forms part of a broader emphasis on public ownership and long term investment in strategic energy infrastructure. Great British Energy continues to focus on accelerating the deployment of domestically produced clean power while contributing to the UK’s net zero objectives. With McGrail in post, the company is positioned to advance its growing portfolio of projects and partnerships across the energy sector....

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