Kieran Coughlan, an engineer with a track record of shaping and growing teams, is to become the Director of Capital Programme at UK Power Networks.
The move follows the retirement of Nirmal Kotecha, who has had a successful career spanning over 30 years in infrastructure.
Kieran is a chartered electrical engineer with a track record in engineering, project delivery, regulation and commercial roles within the energy sector across the UK, Ireland and Australia before becoming head of Engineering and Safety at the Energy Networks Association. He joined UK Power Networks Services in 2017.
Since then, Kieran has led the development and growth of asset management, consulting and corporate development capabilities in UK Power Networks Services as part of the senior management team.
He holds an honours degree in Electrical Engineering from University College Cork. Kieran says, “I’m extremely proud to join the executive management team of UK Power Networks and lead the Capital Programme directorate. This marks an exciting time for our industry and UK Power Networks as we intensify our infrastructure development to support our customer needs and the transition of the electricity system to net zero.
“I look forward to collaborating with colleagues and supply chain partners to ensure the continued delivery of exceptional service to our customers in the years to come. I extend my best wishes to Nirmal for every success in the next stage of his career.’’
Nirmal has worked in infrastructure across gas, water, roads and electricity throughout his career and joined UK Power Networks in 2011. He is the immediate past Chair of the Infrastructure Client Group’s Management Board and remains a Non-Executive Director of the Major Projects Association. He is also a Fellow of both the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply.
Nirmal says, “It has been a privilege to have been part of UK Power Networks’ journey in becoming the best-performing network operator over 2015-23 and to have worked with a fantastic team over that period. After 12 very successful years, the time is right for me to step aside and allow the next generation of our leaders to pick up the baton for 2023-28 and beyond. In this respect, I offer Kieran my very best wishes on his appointment.
“My immediate plans over the spring and summer include a significant amount of travel and working on lowering my golf handicap! Thereafter, I hope to stay involved in the world of procuring and delivering major infrastructure, albeit in a non-executive and/or advisory capacity.”
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