Former Shell Exec Zoë Yujnovich to Lead National Grid

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

He is succeeded by Zoë Yujnovich, formerly Integrated Gas and Upstream Director and part of Shell's Executive Committee, bringing her wealth of experience in energy leadership to National Grid.

“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. 

Since joining Shell in 2014, she has held several key positions, including EVP Oil Sands Operations and Chairman of Shell Australia.

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

In her new role, Zoë will join the National Grid Board as Chief Executive Designate on 1 September 2025 and become 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. 

The company primarily owns and operates electricity and gas transmission networks in the UK and the Northeastern US.

National Grid's purpose, Bring Energy to Life, focuses on critical green investments to decarbonise power, transport and heat, leading a fair, clean and affordable energy transition in 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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