Who is National Grid’s New CEO Zoë Yujnovich?

After 35 years at National Grid and nearly a decade as CEO, John Pettigrew will be stepping down in November 2025. 

He will be replaced by Zoë Yujnovich, who was previously Integrated Gas and Upstream Director and a member of the Executive Committee at Shell.

“It has been an immense honour for me to lead the company I joined as a graduate,” John says.

“All that I have achieved has only been possible because of the many talented people I have had the privilege to work with and learn from.

"With our position as a leader in energy networks across the UK and US assured, we are well placed to take advantage of the growth opportunities ahead. 

“I am delighted to hand over to Zoë Yujnovich who has all the attributes required to deliver on the significant growth opportunity ahead and to guide National Grid on the next stage of its journey. 

"There is still much to deliver before I retire from my role in November. Until then I remain fully focussed on ensuring we don't miss a beat and that I leave National Grid in the strongest possible position."

Who is Zoë Yujnovich?

Zoë earned a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Western Australia and an Executive MBA from the University of Utah. 

"I remember on my first day at university in Australia in 1992, looking around and realising I was one of the few women in my class," she shared on LinkedIn.

"I was attracted to engineering because I always loved maths and science, and while being outnumbered by men was something I was aware of, it did not hold me back."

She began her career as a Process Engineer at Rio Tinto before working her way up to the role of President and CEO. 

Zoë joined Shell in 2014 as EVP Oil Sands Operations and has held roles at the company including Chairman of Shell Australia, EVP Conventional Oil and Gas, Upstream Director and Integrated Gas and Upstream Director. 

She also serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director at Unilever.

Zoë will join the National Grid Board as Chief Executive Designate on 1 September 2025 and will be appointed CEO on 17 November 2025.

“I am honoured to have been selected as National Grid's next Chief Executive,” Zoë says.

“I look forward to building on the tremendous work of John Pettigrew and everyone at National Grid in establishing it as a world-leading business with the strongest of foundations.

“I firmly believe in the vital function energy companies play in driving change and creating value. 

“On both sides of the Atlantic National Grid has an essential role to play in making energy secure, affordable and reliable for our customers and communities.  

“I'm excited about leading National Grid as it delivers on the growth opportunities ahead.”

What will Zoë lead at National Grid?

National Grid is a multinational electricity and gas utility company headquartered in London, England. 

Primarily, it owns and operates electricity and gas transmission networks in the UK. 

Across the Atlantic, National Grid also operates in the Northeastern US where it operates transmission networks, produces and supplies electricity and gas. 

The company’s purpose, Bring Energy to Life, aims to deliver critical and green investment to enable the decarbonisation of power, transport and heat alongside leading a clean, fair and affordable energy transition across its jurisdictions. 

In the 2023/24 National Grid Responsible Business Report, it reported an 11.8% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, 3.030 MW of renewable energy connected in the UK and £6bn (US$8bn) in total green CAPEX. 

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