Humber Energy Board appoints first Executive Director

In this role, Jonathan will refine and deliver the HEB’s strategy to transform the region into a decarbonised industrial cluster.

Last September, the HEB launched a report Delivering the Vision, which demonstrated that with the right Government support, decarbonising the Humber could unlock £15bn in private sector investment for the region and create tens of thousands of high-skilled jobs, protect UK energy security and help the country meet its ambitious climate targets.

Jonathan continues in his role as a Senior Manager in the CBI’s Net Zero team, but will be seconded from the CBI to the HEB for up to two days a week.  He also continues in his role as a Commissioner on the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission. 

He has a professional career spanning over 30 years, which includes substantial experience in industry, having worked in senior roles in the energy sector with bp and the World Energy Council. He has also worked in the public sector, including leading the UKRI-funded work to develop a roadmap to decarbonise Humber industry.

The appointment of Jonathan as the first paid role for the HEB is a significant moment for the organisation, and is part of its work to develop the structures, governance and processes required for it to be able to deliver on its mission.

It follows on from the HEB appointing eight board directors from Humber based companies including ABP, Centrica, Drax, Harbour Energy, Phillips 66, RWE, SSE and VPI.

Jonathan Oxley, Executive Director of the HEB, said: “I am delighted to be joining the Humber Energy Board as its first Executive Director. The Humber is the biggest decarbonisation opportunity in the UK, and I look forward to continuing to play my part in helping protect and enhance our regional industry, whilst reducing the associated emissions.

“I am pleased to have the chance to work with partners across the Humber in business, academia and local government, to refine and deliver our strategy for its transformation.  This could catalyse multi-billion pound investment in the region, create tens of thousands of jobs, help keep the country’s lights on and accelerate the UK’s net zero ambitions.”

Richard Gwilliam, Chair of the Humber Energy Board, said: “2025 will be a key year for the HEB and we are delighted that Jonathan has accepted the Executive Director role. Jonathan has the skill and experience needed to take the organisation into its next chapter, develop and deliver our strategy and ensure that we can seize the opportunity to decarbonise the Humber and transform the region into a thriving net zero cluster.”     

The Humber produces around 4.4% of total UK industrial emissions, and emits 20% more carbon dioxide than any other industrial cluster but it has a critical role in providing energy security for the UK.

The region generates 20% of the UK’s total electricity, and around 33% of the total offshore wind power is generated off its coast. The Humber creates around one-third of the UK’s refinery products and around one-fifth of all gas imported into the UK enters via the region. The HEB and its members have created a clear plan to decarbonise the region’s industrial asset base and further maximise the opportunity for offshore wind helping to power and fuel the country whilst reducing carbon emissions and supporting tens of thousands of jobs in critical UK industries.

More on the HEB can be found here: https://humberenergyboard.org/.