Monica Collings appointed as new chair of POWERful Women

Monica Collings has become the new chair of energy sector gender diversity organisation POWERful Women, succeeding Katie Jackson, who is stepping down at the end of her three-year tenure.

Collings is an award-winning former chief executive of So Energy, at which time she was the sole female CEO of a domestic energy supplier. She is a well-known portfolio chair, non-executive director and strategic advisor in the energy industry.

Her industry expertise includes executive roles at Vattenfall and positions in retail, home improvement, property, and automotive.

A long-time advocate of diversity, equity and inclusion and champion of POWERful Women’s mission, Collings previously sat on its Leaders Coalition, a group of energy company chiefs who have made a public commitment to driving better gender diversity and inclusion in their companies and the sector.

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Nick Wayth, CEO of the Energy Institute and Board member of PfW, said Collings "brings a wealth of experience, having held CEO and board roles across major energy companies, and is widely recognised for her unwavering commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion".

He said Collings' "track record in championing gender equality, driving sustainability, and mentoring future leaders makes her the ideal person to guide us through POWERful Women’s pivotal next chapter. Monica’s passion will be invaluable as we work to achieve our goal of at least 40% female representation in UK energy sector leadership and middle management by 2030."

Collings said she was “thrilled to be taking on the role of chair at POWERful Women at such a pivotal time for both the energy transition and diversity in leadership".

"With just five years to go to 2030, achieving our 40% female representation target is more relevant than ever.”

On 11 June, Collings will launch POWERful Women’s Annual State of the Nation report, revealing the latest statistics on female representation in the UK energy sector and what needs to be delivered to close the gap to the 40% target.

Outgoing chair Katie Jackson commented: “It has been a privilege to chair POWERful Women over the last three years, through two key milestones for the initiative: the launch of a more ambitious target for women in leadership and middle management in the UK energy sector; and its 10th anniversary, celebrating the tremendous progress that has been made by all the brilliant people involved, but also an opportunity to issue a call to action to go faster and do better.

"I believe that now, more than ever, we must all be vocal in championing the business case for better diversity, equity and inclusion and I know that Monica will be excellent in this role. I wish her every success and I hope she enjoys it as much as I have.”