Gas Networks Ireland has announced the appointment of David Kelly as its new Chief Executive Officer. Mr Kelly, who currently serves as the utility's Director of Customer and Business Development, brings more than two decades of executive experience across both the public and private sectors to the role.

Since joining Ervia in 2015 as Group Head of Operations and Public Affairs, Mr Kelly has held several senior positions before moving into his most recent role in 2022. During his tenure, he has been instrumental in spearheading the company's strategy to transition from natural gas to renewable alternatives, while also enhancing customer focus and stakeholder communication.

In addition to his leadership at Gas Networks Ireland, Mr Kelly is the current Vice President of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce. He is due to be inaugurated as the Chamber's President on 26 February.

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The appointment follows a formal public recruitment process led by the Board of Gas Networks Ireland and has received official approval from James Browne TD, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Welcoming the appointment, Gas Networks Ireland Chairperson Kevin Toland said: "On behalf of the Gas Networks Ireland Board, I congratulate David Kelly on his appointment as CEO. David is a transformational leader with strong customer, stakeholder and leadership skills and has played a key role in defining and executing the strategy to help Gas Networks Ireland transform its business in accelerating our, and Ireland's, journey to Net Zero, whilst supporting the increased role that the gas networks plays in underpinning Ireland's energy needs."

Speaking on his new role, David Kelly expressed his commitment to the state's energy transition: "I am delighted to be taking up the role of CEO at this exciting time in the Gas Networks Ireland transformation. By replacing natural gas with renewable gases, such as biomethane and green hydrogen, Gas Networks Ireland is working to deliver a net-zero carbon gas network and to reduce emissions across several key sectors, including those that are traditionally difficult to decarbonise, like transport, agriculture, industry, and power generation. In addition, the continued focus on security of energy supply to Ireland is critical across the organisation and ensuring a safe, reliable, secure network through the energy transition is of utmost importance."