Energy Systems Catapult appoints Simon Virley to its Board as Non-Executive Director

Energy Systems Catapult has appointed Simon Virley CB as a Non-Executive Director to its Board, effective 1 October 2026.

Simon brings over 35 years’ experience advising on energy issues at the top table, in both Government and the private sector. For the past 12 years he has led KPMG’s Energy and Natural Resources practice in the UK and was made Vice Chair at KPMG in 2021.

Before that, he spent 24 years in UK Government, latterly as Director General for Energy in the Department of Energy and Climate Change (now DESNZ). In total, he has worked in six different government departments, including the Treasury, No10, Cabinet Office and the Business and

Transport departments.
Simon was recognised for his work on energy issues in 2014 as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours. His other non-executive roles include Vice Chair and Fellow at the Energy Institute, Chair of UCL’s Centre for Net Zero Market Design, and Member of NESO’s Electricity Market Advisory Council.

Tony Cocker, Chair of the Energy Systems Catapult Board, said:
“Simon brings over 35 years’ experience of advising on energy issues, at the ‘top table’ in both government and the private sector. He is passionate about the energy transition and ‘making a difference’ in roles that have meaning and purpose, so I’m excited to have him supporting the work of Energy Systems Catapult as we help accelerate the scaling-up of high-potential innovators.”

Simon Virley said:
“I am passionate about accelerating the energy transition, something I have been involved with for over three decades through my roles in Government and at KPMG, advising companies, large and small. That is why I am delighted to be joining the Board of Energy Systems Catapult, which has a key role to play in supporting innovation in the energy sector and building a more secure, affordable and low carbon energy system.”