Electricity North West appoints its first female engineering director

Electricity North West has made history by appointing its first female engineering director.

A chartered engineer, Gillian Williamson made the step up from Electricity North West’s strategic planning team and the new role will see her play a crucial role as the company aims to deliver a £1.8bn investment plan to lead the North West to net zero.

The appointment also means Williamson is the only female engineering director out of all of the UK’s distribution network operators (DNO).

Speaking about her appointment, she said: “I am delighted to become Electricity North West’s first female engineering director.

“I’ve taken up the role at a pivotal and exciting time for the industry as we drive the technological developments and commercial approaches necessary to efficiently manage the increases and new ways our customers are using electricity.”

“I am looking forward to collaborating with colleagues across the whole of the company responding to the needs of our customers’ who are making the changes on their way to net zero.

“Engineering is definitely a male-dominated industry, but my experience is that women can bring a different perspective and be just as successful. I’m proud that I can add my voice and show that so many different roles and career paths are open to women of all ages.”

Boasting more than 20 years’ industry experience, Williamson spent a considerable amount of time in power systems consultancy focussing on the implications for the industry of transitioning to low carbon, including organisational requirements and the use of technology to address the challenge of network capacity.

Her move to Electricity North West was inspired by her analysis work which showcased the need for the strategic transformation of the electrical distribution industry and networks.

Peter Emery, chief executive at Electricity North West, added: “Gillian has only been with the business for four years but whilst here, she has shown excellent strategic insight and the ability to implement change swiftly and effectively.

“Gillian is a welcome addition to our exec team at what is an extremely critical time for the network as the pace of electrification of transport and heat accelerates.”