Jonathan Brearley appointed permanent secretary at DESNZ

Jonathan Brearley has been appointed Permanent Secretary at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. 

The appointment was made by the cabinet secretary with approval from the prime minister.

Brearley is currently CEO of Ofgem and has previous experience in government and the energy sector.

Brearley will replace Clive Maxwell who was serving as Interim Permanent Secretary while a full external recruitment process was run.

Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband said: "Jonathan has spent his career driving for Britain’s energy security and is a deeply experienced, dedicated and imaginative public servant. As we continue to deliver our clean energy mission to bring down energy bills for families and take back control of our energy with clean homegrown power, I am delighted to welcome Jonathan to lead the department. 

"I also want to thank Clive Maxwell for his excellent leadership as Interim Permanent Secretary over recent months. I have really valued his counsel and drive, and he has played a critical role in major successes for the department, from AR7 to the warm homes plan.

Jonathan Brearley said: "It’s a real privilege to be appointed as Permanent Secretary at DESNZ at such a defining moment across UK Energy. 

"My time at Ofgem has been defined by the mission of protecting consumers and navigating the complexities of the UK energy transition. I am proud of what the team there has achieved, and I carry these lessons with me as I move into this new role. 

"Working alongside the Secretary of State, Ministers and the dedicated civil servants at DESNZ, I look forward to continuing the Department’s focus on bringing down bills and delivering clean, homegrown power."