Mr Elsom is a highly respected senior leader in the energy sector with over 30 years’ experience. He will oversee SGN’s operations, engineering, asset management and customer service.

He started his career as an apprentice service engineer with British Gas Eastern. Mr Elsom has held a number of senior roles in National Grid including head of network engineering & strategy for the National Transmission System and head of network maintenance for four gas distribution networks, delivering maintenance and capital projects.

More recently Mr Elsom was the network director for Cadent’s Eastern region covering East Midlands and East of England. Over the past 18 months Darren has been leading future energy development with major projects such as HyNet and East Coast Hydrogen and energy connections including biomethane, power generation, industry, and CNG for transport.

SGN’s CEO Mark Wild OBE said: “I’m delighted that Darren has chosen to join us.

“The role of a chief operating officer is new for SGN but there’s no doubt it’s the right time given the strategic challenges and opportunities we face as a business in the energy sector.”

Mr Elsom will join SGN on Tuesday 19 December and report to Mr Wild.

Mr Elsom added: “I am excited to be joining SGN at such an important time for our industry.

“Gas is an integrated part of the UK energy system and we have a huge responsibility to deliver for our customers today whilst getting match fit for the GD3 price control and leading the energy transition.”