Media releases

Wayth, formerly Chief Development Officer of Alternative Energy at BP, will take up post on 4 May following the departure of the EI’s current CEO Louise Kingham OBE FEI.

Kingham, who has headed the EI and its precursor bodies for more than twenty years, is stepping down this month to become UK Head of Country and Senior Vice President for Europe at BP.

Steve Holliday said:

“I am delighted to welcome Nick Wayth, someone whose career journey, from its roots in oil and gas through to playing a leading role in BP’s pivot towards solar, wind, hydrogen and storage, reflects the vital transition under way in the sector we serve.

“The board of trustees and I are confident he is the right person, with the professional and personal qualities required to lead the EI into its next chapter as the foremost professional body for the world of energy.

“He takes on an organisation in tremendously good shape, thanks in large part to the skilful stewardship of Louise Kingham. She will be missed by all at the EI but, as a Fellow and in her new role at BP, I am sure she will continue to play a leading role in the low carbon transition and challenge our sector to further diversify its boardrooms.”

Nick Wayth said:

“What excites me about the Energy Institute is both its legacy and its potential in helping drive progress across the energy industry.

“The breadth of its activities supporting and championing professionals in all parts of the global energy system is an enviable inheritance.

“From energy management to ensuring safe and efficient production, from conventional fuels to low carbon technologies, whether in engineering or a host of other disciplines, in the UK or around the world – the EI is a unique and special big tent.

“The EI is held in extremely high regard throughout the industry, it’s going to be an honour to take up the reins from Louise Kingham, and a huge responsibility as the pace towards global net zero accelerates.

“There’s much to be done and I’m excited to get to work.”

Members are invited to register for a free EI LIVE webinar to meet the new Chief Executive on Friday 28 May. In conversation with EI trustee Dr Joanne Wade OBE FEI, Wayth will talk about his career in conventional and low carbon energies, the role of the professional body on the journey to net zero, and answer your questions. Register for the webinar at www.energy-inst.org/CEO-webinar

Notes for editors

1. For media enquiries, please contact Nick Turton on 020 7467 7103 or nturton@energyinst.org

2. Biography: Dr Nick Wayth CEng MIMechE FEI

Nick Wayth has held a broad career at the forefront of change in the energy industry as it adapts ever faster to tackling climate change.

Nick spent nearly 22 years at BP plc in a broad variety of executive and management roles. Most recently Nick held the post of Chief Development Officer of Alternative Energy, where he led BP’s strategy and business development in a broad range of renewable technologies, including solar, offshore wind and digital energy. Through this role Nick was also a member of the BP Ventures Investment Committee, sponsoring several of BP’s venture investments.

Prior to this Nick held senior roles as VP Competitor Intelligence and as Head of North America Investor Relations, based in Houston. Nick’s early career was spent in a variety of operational, technical, and commercial roles in the upstream business, based offshore in the North Sea, Aberdeen, Algeria and London.

Nick holds a PhD in Mechanical / Electrical Engineering and a degree in Mechanical Engineering, both from the University of Southampton.  Nick is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer and a Fellow of the Energy Institute.

Nick is passionate about creating an inclusive and supportive environment for working parents and carers and was the executive sponsor for an active resource group at BP’s St James’s Square office. Nick also advises and mentors entrepreneurs in energy start-up companies.

Outside of work, Nick enjoys running, cycling, yoga and spending time with his wife, Debbie, and their two sons.

3. The Energy Institute (EI) is the chartered professional membership body bringing together expertise for urgent global challenges.

Our ambition is for energy to be better understood, managed and valued. We gather and share essential knowledge about energy, provide the skills that are helping us all use it more wisely, and develop the good practice needed to keep it safe and secure.

We articulate the voice of energy experts, taking the know-how of around 20,000 members and 200 companies from 120 countries to the heart of the public debate.

Professionals in energy have changed the world before and now they are changing it again. The EI exists to support them and anyone who wants to better understand or contribute to tackling these urgent global challenges.