The Utility Regulator said it welcomes the appointment of two new Board members by Finance Minister John O'Dowd.

Seán Hogan and Paul Smith will each serve for seven years from 10 August 2026.

Seán Hogan brings extensive experience across utilities, water and public sector governance. His seven-year term began on 10 August 2026. He previously chaired Northern Ireland Water from 2011 to 2015 and served on the Board of Ervia — the parent company of Irish Water, Gas Networks Ireland and Aurora Telecoms — from 2015 to 2024. He is currently Chair of WaterRegs UK Ltd and has held senior board and chair roles across a range of public bodies, including the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company, Newry and Mourne Health and Social Services Trust, and DAERA's Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Partnership.

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Paul Smith brings deep expertise in economic regulation, energy markets and consumer policy. His seven-year term also started on 10 August 2026. With more than two decades’ experience, he has worked within multi-jurisdictional regulators across energy, aviation, payments and post. He was Chief Executive of the Australian Energy Market Commission from 2013 to 2015, having been a Director from 2010. He served on the Board of the UK Civil Aviation Authority from 2018 to 2024, including a period as joint interim Chief Executive, and was previously Group Director for Consumers and Markets. He is currently a Director at Fingleton, advising boards, executives and investors across sectors including water, energy and transport.