The UK energy industry is being shaped by professionals working across electricity networks, offshore energy, decarbonisation, energy security, safety, innovation and the wider energy transition. The following individuals have received significant recognition through national honours or established UK energy-industry awards.
John Pettigrew is a long-standing figure in the UK electricity and energy infrastructure sector. He spent 35 years at National Grid, holding 12 different roles before becoming Group Chief Executive in 2016. He retired from National Grid at the end of 2025. Pettigrew was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2026 New Year Honours for services to energy. His career at National Grid placed him at the centre of major developments in electricity infrastructure and the changing requirements of the UK energy system. His recognition represents a significant national honour for a career spent leading within one of the UK's most important energy infrastructure organisations. Recognition: CBE for services to energy, 2026 New Year Honours
Area: Electricity networks, energy infrastructure and corporate leadership
Nik Smith of PHS Home Solutions was named Energy Champion of the Year – Individual Achievement at the 2025 Energy Awards. His recognition highlights more than three decades of practical experience within energy and decarbonisation projects. According to the Energy Awards, Smith has worked on challenging projects involving listed buildings, military sites, schools and local-authority buildings, demonstrating the practical application of renewable-energy technologies across different types of properties. His contribution extends beyond technical project delivery. He has also been recognised for mentoring, apprenticeships, supporting skills development and helping preserve specialist knowledge and employment within the sector. Smith's award illustrates the importance of experienced professionals who combine technical knowledge with practical implementation and workforce development. Recognition: Energy Champion of the Year – Individual Achievement, 2025 Energy Awards
Area: Decarbonisation, renewable energy, technical leadership and skills
Francesco Mazzagatti, CEO of Viaro Energy, drew a run of recognition across 2025. He was named in the Energy/Oil & Gas category of the FORTY UNDER 40 UK Awards, with Viaro Energy publicly marking the honour on 9 April 2025 as reflective of his leadership on sustainability and the energy transition. The Energy Council separately shortlisted him for Future Leader of the Year, a sector-specific nod from within the energy finance community. In Italy, an announcement tied to the Leone d'Oro per la Pace 2025 at the Italian Senate listed him both as a nominee and as a recipient of a "Riconoscimento al Merito" (Recognition of Merit). Alongside these, the SRM Foundation credits him as the CEO whose vision shaped the organisation, tying his name to energy security and ESG work more broadly.
Andrew Cowx of Offshore Helicopter Services received the Aviation Safety Award at the 2025 Offshore Safety Awards. Helicopter operations are an important part of offshore energy logistics, particularly for transporting personnel to and from offshore installations. Aviation safety therefore represents a critical element of the industry's wider safety framework. Cowx's award recognises professional contribution within this highly specialised area. His recognition illustrates the breadth of expertise required to operate a modern offshore energy industry safely and efficiently. Recognition: Aviation Safety Award, 2025 Offshore Safety Awards
Area: Offshore aviation, helicopter operations and safety
Colin Deddis of Anasuria Operating Company was recognised with the Major Hazard Awareness Award at the 2025 Offshore Safety Awards. Major-hazard management is fundamental to the safe operation of offshore energy facilities. It involves identifying significant risks, understanding potential consequences and maintaining systems and behaviours designed to prevent serious incidents. Deddis' recognition highlights the importance of specialist risk awareness and strong safety practices in offshore operations. It also reflects the industry's continued focus on preventing major incidents through effective risk management and workforce engagement. Recognition: Major Hazard Awareness Award, 2025 Offshore Safety Awards
Area: Major-hazard management, risk awareness and offshore safety
Isabelle Macfarlane, Contracts Manager at Ener-Vate, was also recognised with the 2025 ADE Rising Star Award.The award acknowledges professionals making important contributions to their organisations and communities. Her recognition highlights the importance of developing leadership and technical expertise across the UK's emerging energy systems and clean-energy workforce.
Darren Sutherland of Borr Drilling received the inaugural Outstanding Contribution to Safety Award at the 2025 Offshore Safety Awards, organised by Offshore Energies UK and Step Change in Safety. His recognition reflects more than two decades of work promoting safety and improving standards across the offshore energy industry. The award specifically recognised his sustained commitment to protecting workers and encouraging safer working environments. Safety leadership is particularly important in offshore energy because operations can involve complex industrial environments, heavy equipment, marine operations and significant operational risks. Sutherland's recognition demonstrates the importance of safety culture and continuous improvement within the UK energy workforce. Recognition: Outstanding Contribution to Safety Award, 2025 Offshore Safety Awards
Area: Offshore safety, workforce protection and operational standards
Caroline Bragg, Chief Executive of the Association for Decentralised Energy (ADE), is another notable figure in the UK's energy systems sector.
Under her organisation's awards programme, the ADE has recognised innovation in heat networks, energy demand, flexibility, clean-energy technology and diversity. The 2025 awards included projects ranging from low-carbon heat networks to technologies using surplus renewable electricity for industrial heat.
Her role reflects the importance of policy, industry collaboration and decentralised energy solutions in the UK's transition to lower-carbon energy.
Chris O'Shea is a senior figure in the UK's energy industry through his leadership of Centrica.
His involvement in the 2025 British Renewable Energy Awards judging panel illustrates the role that senior executives from major energy companies play in recognising innovation across the renewable-energy sector. The judging panel also included senior figures from ITN and the National Energy System Operator.
His inclusion demonstrates the connection between traditional large-scale energy businesses and the UK's evolving renewable and net-zero agenda.