SGN, a leading gas distribution company, has announced the appointment of Abbie Sampson as its new Chief Corporate Affairs Officer. Sampson will officially take up her role on Monday, 9 June.

In her new position, Sampson will oversee SGN's communications, external affairs, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability functions. Her mandate is to ensure a clear understanding of SGN's crucial role in maintaining safe and warm communities, supporting the wider energy system, and providing customers with options for decarbonisation.

Sampson returns to the energy sector from Brunswick Group, where she advised FTSE100 businesses on government affairs, stakeholder engagement, and communications across various industries, including energy. Notably, she served as Mark Carney's advisor on media strategy and stakeholder engagement for COP26 in his capacity as UN Special Envoy for Climate Action and Finance.

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Her extensive career also includes a previous role as Director of External Affairs at Energy UK, where she managed teams responsible for public affairs, events, internal communications, stakeholder engagement, media, and digital communications. Prior to that, Sampson was Head of News at the consumer group Which?. She also held senior communications roles within several Whitehall departments, including the Prime Minister's Office as a Strategic Communications Adviser and Chief Press Officer.

Welcoming the appointment, SGN CEO Simon Kilonback said: "I am thrilled to welcome Abbie to our team as our new Chief Corporate Affairs Officer. She brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in corporate communications and public affairs. Abbie's leadership will be instrumental in driving our ambitions forward and enhancing our corporate reputation, particularly as we transition towards green gas."

Commenting on her new role, Abbie Sampson stated: "I am excited to be joining SGN at such a pivotal moment in our journey. The gas industry is always evolving to meet the needs of customers, communities and the planet, so how we engage with our stakeholders, and how we tell our story, is critical. I am looking forward to working alongside dedicated and talented colleagues to lead our strategy across public affairs, communications and sustainability. Together, we will continue to build our reputation as the UK's leading gas distribution company."