SGN has appointed Abbie Sampson as Chief Corporate Affairs Officer.
Abbie is a senior strategic communications and public affairs advisor with extensive experience of working with businesses and government at the most senior levels, including in Downing Street.
She will oversee communications, external affairs, stakeholder, and sustainability functions, ensuring everyone understands SGN's importance in keeping communities safe and warm, supporting the energy system, and offering customers options for decarbonisation.
Abbie is returning to the energy sector from Brunswick Group where she was an advisor to FTSE100 businesses on government affairs, stakeholder engagement and communications across multiple sectors including energy. Abbie was Mark Carney’s advisor on media strategy and stakeholder engagement for COP26, in his role as UN Special Envoy for Climate Action and Finance.
Abbie was previously Director of External Affairs at Energy UK, where she led teams spanning public affairs, events, internal communications, stakeholder engagement, media and digital communications. Prior to that Abbie was Head of News at the consumer group Which?.
Abbie also held senior communications roles in several Whitehall departments, including the Prime Minister’s Office as a Strategic Communications Adviser and Chief Press Officer.
Welcoming Abbie, CEO Simon Kilonback said: “I am thrilled to welcome Abbie to our team as our new Chief Corporate Affairs Officer. She brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in corporate communications and public affairs. Abbie’s leadership will be instrumental in driving our ambitions forward and enhancing our corporate reputation, particularly as we transition towards green gas."
Commenting on her appointment, Abbie Sampson said: “I am excited to be joining SGN at such a pivotal moment in our journey. The gas industry is always evolving to meet the needs of customers, communities and the planet, so how we engage with our stakeholders, and how we tell our story, is critical.
“I am looking forward to working alongside dedicated and talented colleagues to lead our strategy across public affairs, communications and sustainability. Together, we will continue to build our reputation as the UK's leading gas distribution company."
Abbie will take up this new role on Monday 9 June.