Major Scottish firm makes two key appointments as senior director retires

Energy company ScottishPower has made two key executive appointments as one of its directors retires.

In both cases, the nominations were made from among the board members.

The Glasgow-based group, owned by Spanish company Iberdrola, has appointed Charles Langan as its new chief financial officer.

Meanwhile, Nicola Connelly, who has worked at ScottishPower since 1995, takes over from Vicky Kelsall as CEO of SP Energy Networks.

Ms Kelsall is retiring after a 30-year career with ScottishPower and Iberdrola Group, including North American operations PacifiCorp and Avangrid, before taking up the role of CEO of SP Energy Networks in 2022.

ScottishPower said of Mr Langan and Ms Connelly: “They are both recognised leaders within ScottishPower.”

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The report said Mr Langan held senior finance positions in the UK and Spain, “most notably managing investor relations for fixed income investors at Iberdrola Group and most recently serving as Finance and Resources Director at ScottishPower”.

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ScottishPower added: “Nicola is widely recognised within the Iberdrola Group for her exceptional service and leadership qualities. She has held a number of senior management roles since joining ScottishPower in 1995.”

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It was noted that Ms Connelly previously served as finance director at SP Energy Networks and was appointed chief control and administration officer at ScottishPower in July 2021.

Keith Anderson, Chief Executive of ScottishPower, said: “Charles and Nicola are highly experienced, dedicated leaders and their appointments reflect their proven track record of strategic vision, strong leadership and consistent execution.

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“With a £12 billion investment plan and a huge pipeline of projects to deliver across our business, their commitment to excellence and value will be invaluable to ScottishPower and SP Energy Networks.”

He added: “I would like to thank Vicky for her achievements, dedication and commitment to the business and with great respect I wish her a happy and well-deserved retirement.”

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When a record £12bn investment programme for the UK was unveiled in the spring, along with Iberdrola’s plans to do the same in other countries, the Spanish group’s executive chairman, Ignacio Galan, said: “Our strategic pillars focus on networks, geographic diversification and a balanced energy and customer mix. This plan will enable us to grow our asset base, increase profitability and strengthen our finances, as well as increase dividends and drive jobs, skills and growth.”