27/01/2023

Melanie Onn to Step Down as RenewableUK Deputy Chief Executive

27 January 2023 - RenewableUK press release


RenewableUK is announcing that Melanie Onn is to step down as Deputy Chief Executive from the end of March. Mel joined RenewableUK in February 2020, having previously served as MP for Great Grimsby from 2015 to 2019.


Starting at RenewableUK just weeks before the pandemic, Mel immediately helped the organisation navigate the challenges of Covid and worked with Government and industry to identify and resolve risks to vital industry activity during lockdown.


Drawing on her experience of how renewables investment can create new opportunities and economic activity in her home town of Grimsby, Mel led a number of initiatives designed to shape the social and economic impact of the energy transition. She worked with RenewableUK’s Board and members to develop an industry-leading Just Transition Tracker framework which sets out the sector’s commitment to supporting people and places in the switch to clean energy. 


Mel has also acted in the Offshore Wind Industry Council’s ‘Investment in Talent’ workstream leading work to develop the sector’s workforce and skills. Under her leadership, OWIC produced the first annual Skills Intelligence Report setting out workforce growth in the years ahead as well as new targets and best practice guidance to build a workforce that better represents our society.


In the past year, Mel has led work to improve RenewableUK’s operations and modernise working practices following the pandemic. In addition to support for remote working, RenewableUK has embraced flexible working practices which aim to use creative solutions to tackle the ‘leaky pipeline’ industry experiences when women take time out for children. Melanie also implemented and developed RenewableUK’s Shadow Board which provides a platform for the sector’s future leaders to gain Board-level experience and bring fresh ideas and perspectives to RenewableUK’s leadership. 


Mel’s leadership in this area has been recognised with RenewableUK’s nomination for the Trade Association Forum’s 2023 Diversity & Inclusion award.


Commenting on her departure, Melanie Onn said:


 “I’m incredibly proud of the significant impact RenewableUK has had in driving forward policies to deliver net zero. This has been an incredibly exciting time to be part of the renewables industry and I have loved working with this enthusiastic and committed team, who I know will continue to do great things for the sector. My thanks to the team and RenewableUK members for their kindness and support over the past three years, it’s been a privilege and an education to represent the sector.


“I will miss everyone very much but hopefully I will have plenty of opportunity in the future to work with RenewableUK and its members again.”


RenewableUK CEO Dan McGrail said: 


“I want to thank Mel for her fantastic work on behalf of RenewableUK members and her championing of our industry and what it can offer to individuals and communities in all parts of the UK. Mel has embodied the values of diversity, inclusivity and leadership that we need in the transition to net zero. Above all, she has been a supportive friend and colleague and brings a spirit of optimism and positivity which is infectious. The Board and I wish Mel every success in the next steps of her career”.


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Notes


RenewableUK’s members are building our future energy system, powered by clean electricity. We bring them together to deliver that future faster; a future which is better for industry, billpayers, and the environment. We support over 400 member companies to ensure increasing amounts of renewable electricity are deployed across the UK and access markets to export all over the world. Our members are business leaders, technology innovators, and expert thinkers from right across industry


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