Electricity North West, the region’s power network operator, has appointed a new asset and technology, and strategy and growth director as its role in the region continues to grow.

Ben Grunfeld will join the organisation on 1 July from consultancy Guidehouse, where he was a partner working with utilities in the UK, Europe, Middle East and Canada as the international energy sector lead.

Ben will lead the region’s £2bn electricity network investment programme over the next five years and lead the growth of the group’s commercial private network business, Electricity North West Construction and Maintenance Limited.

Electricity North West chief executive officer, Ian Smyth said:  “As people and businesses in the North West move away from fossil fuels towards green electricity for heating and transport, our network of 57,000km of overhead lines and underground cables has an important part to play to support this transition.

“As the North West progresses towards net zero, electrification of heat and transport is critical.

“Ben will be a great asset to the executive team and will help us to deliver our ambitious investments for the region."

Commenting on his appointment, Ben said: “Electricity North West is the leading digital network operator in Europe, building an intelligent network and innovating to reduce costs for customers and improve reliability and customer satisfaction.

"It is an exciting time to join, at the start of a £2bn investment in the region, and I am thrilled to be part of this leading organisation and to deliver on our commitments to the five million people, and two hundred thousand businesses, that depend on our services.”

Ben will replace Steve Cox who retires from the business after 42 years.