Energy and Utility Skills appoints new chief executive

Energy and Utility Skills has appointed Phil Beach CBE as its next chief executive.

Beach will succeed Nick Ellins, who steps down at the end of July after five years in the post. Beach is currently executive director for vocational and technical qualifications with Ofqual.

Beach (pictured) will take up his post formally from 21 September. Energy and Utility Skills company secretary and finance and assurance director, Rachel Thomas, will be acting managing director from August. 

Energy and Utility Skills chair, Jan Ward CBE, said Beach: “impressed us with his extensive experience of working with senior stakeholders, managing complex strategy involving multiple organisations and having an intimate knowledge of the skills agenda across the UK.”