BEAMA announces change of leadership

Dr Howard Porter is stepping down as the CEO of BEAMA, the UK trade association for manufacturers and providers of energy infrastructure technologies and systems, passing the baton to Yselkla Farmer.

Yselkla Farmer, currently director of public affairs, will be commencing the role on 4 September.

Dr Porter joined BEAMA in 1998, and during this time has helped the association to expand into a range of energy-related technologies, whilst playing a role in raising its status with government and other key industry stakeholders. Over this time he has held a number of UK and European senior roles including chair of the ORGALIM board in Brussels and the EURIS group of associations through the BREXIT negotiations. 

He has also created a number of senior advisory groups including the BEAMA Senior Sector Council. Dr Porter has also played a crucial role in helping the creation of the UK and European smart metering systems and assisted the industry during the COVID pandemic.

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Dr Porter comments: "I have very much enjoyed my long and constructive time at BEAMA, and I leave the organisation in a strong position to grow in the future. The electrification of the UK energy industry is a very significant task, alongside measures needed to alleviate climate change and the introduction of a full digital electricity system in the UK. The new CEO and her team are ideally placed to lead in all these areas providing the direction and leadership for the whole sector."

Farmer comments "It is a great privilege to be taking on the CEO role for BEAMA. Howard leaves behind a strong legacy, and I am looking forward to working with a brilliant team and clear work program. This is an unprecedented period of change in our industry, and it is more important than ever that we work together to harness the emerging opportunities for growth for all BEAMA members. I will make it my mission to ensure our members are well supported, providing a collaborative environment to influence and navigate change. I have worked at BEAMA for over 10 years and am proud to leading an organisation with a fantastic community of members."

Although Dr Porter will be stepping down as BEAMA’s CEO he will continue in an advisory role to the BEAMA Board and will represent BEAMA and the UK electrotechnical industry as a member of the IEC market strategy board.  He is also pursuing an independent role providing assistance and guidance for organisations in their transition to net zero carbon.