SSE plc has announced the appointment of Martin Pibworth as its new Chief Executive, succeeding Alistair Phillips-Davies CBE, who is set to retire.

The transition will take place following the company's Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 17 July 2025.

Pibworth, who joined SSE in 1998, has held a number of senior commercial roles within the organisation over the past three decades. He joined the Executive Committee in 2012 and the Board in 2017, and currently serves as Chief Commercial Officer, overseeing SSE’s renewables, thermal, energy markets, and energy customer solutions businesses.

Sir John Manzoni, SSE Chair, expressed his confidence in Pibworth: "Martin is a proven industry leader, with deep sector experience and a highly strategic outlook, demonstrating all of the attributes needed to be a successful Chief Executive at this hugely exciting time for the Company. The Board concluded that Martin was the outstanding candidate in a very competitive process and I look forward to supporting him as he leads SSE through the next phase of development and growth."

Manzoni also paid tribute to the outgoing Chief Executive: "Alistair has been an exceptional Chief Executive, leading the Company’s transition into being the UK and Ireland’s clean energy champion, whilst delivering true and lasting value for all of our stakeholders. As well as his legacy at SSE, his support in ensuring a smooth handover of responsibilities continues to be greatly appreciated."

-- Advertisement --

Pibworth himself commented on his appointment: "I'm excited to be leading SSE as the Company embarks on its next stage of evolution and growth. As an integrated electricity group focused on the energy transition, we are well-placed for long-term growth from our established positions in networks, renewables and flexibility. In our highly dynamic operating environment, we have the capabilities and portfolio to manage complexity and volatility, whilst pivoting towards value as it emerges. I look forward to continuing to work with governments, shareholders and other stakeholders on powering society’s needs whilst creating sustainable value as we electrify the economy."

The appointment follows a "robust succession process" led by Sir John Manzoni and the Nomination Committee, supported by recruitment specialists Korn Ferry. The process considered both internal and external candidates.

Alistair Phillips-Davies will continue in his role as Chief Executive until the AGM in July 2025, at which point he will step down from the Board. He will leave SSE entirely in November 2025 but will remain as non-Executive Chair of SSEN Distribution during the interim period.

Following the AGM, the SSE plc Board will consist of the Chair, two Executive Directors, and eight independent non-Executive Directors, with a gender balance of six men and five women.

Details of Martin Pibworth's remuneration package were also disclosed, including a base salary of £970,000 per annum from 17 July 2025, rising to £1,050,000 from 1 April 2026. He will also receive a cash allowance in lieu of pension and will participate in annual and long-term incentive plans.

Alistair Phillips-Davies' departure will be handled in line with the company's remuneration policy, and he will be treated as a 'good leaver' for incentive purposes. He will not receive a PSP award for 2025, and his AIP will cease when he steps down from the Board, though he will continue to be paid under his existing contract until November 2025.