National Grid picks up HS1's Nicola Shaw

National Grid announced its new UK Executive Director on Wednesday, appointing High Speed 1’s Nicola Shaw to the role.

The FTSE 100 electricity infrastructure firm said the appointment complemented that of John Pettigrew’s, who was announced as CEO in November.

“Nicola has a strong track record in leading important infrastructure businesses and in working with the UK government and regulators,” said National Grid chairman Sir Peter Gershon.

“Her broad experience makes her ideally placed to help National Grid deliver value for our customers today and into the future,” he added.

Shaw had been chief executive of High Speed 1 - the company that operates the high speed railway between London St Pancras and the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone - since 2011. Prior to that, she was an executive director at FirstGroup.

Shaw had also recently reported to Westminster on the future structure and financing of the state rail infrastructure operator Network Rail, with the Shaw Report being published earlier this month.