The energy sector is changing rapidly.

From the drive to Net Zero to increasing digitalisation and the pressure on our infrastructure, organisations across the industry are rethinking how they operate and how they prepare for the future.

London Business School and the Womens Utilities Network (WUN) invite you to an evening led by Cathy McClay, Managing Director of National Grid DSO and Commissioner for Flexibility, who will share her keynote insights on what this transition means for leaders, businesses and the people who power them.

During the session, we’ll discuss questions shaping the sector today, including:

How organisations are adapting: What practical steps are UK utilities taking to build resilience, modernise their systems and meet decarbonisation targets?

Evolving leadership and skills: With new roles emerging and traditional career paths shifting, what skills will be most valuable for future leaders in energy?

This event is designed for anyone in WUN and LBS’s networks interested in the future of the energy industry – whether you’re leading teams, exploring your next step or starting out in the sector. It’s a chance to hear real insights from someone at the centre of system transformation and to connect with peers across WUN and LBS.

Full Address & directions:London Business School, Nuffield Hall, 1/F, North Building, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4SA London Business School
(10mins walk from Baker Street – https://maps.app.goo.gl/UnywDJS6JEdjCaqw5)

Highlights:

Welcome Address by Womens Utilities Network (WUN): Louise Wapshare, Director of WUN & CEO of SmartestEnergy Business (also LBS Alumnus – EMBA2020)

Keynote Speaker: Cathy McClay, MD of National Grid DSO and Clean Power 2030 Advisory Commission Commissioner for Flexibility

Closing Remarks by London Business School (LBS): Anca Velicu, Co-President of LBS Alumni Energy Club & Director of Business Control at Vattenfall

Networking: Connect with industry leaders and peers over drinks and nibbles to conclude the evening.

Privacy Notice: By registering, you agree to our privacy terms (read more here). For this event, registration data will be shared with our co-organiser, WUN, for event management purposes.

Enquiries: LBS Career Centre via email: [email protected] or [email protected]

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Bios:

Cathy McClay

Cathy is Managing Director of National Grid DSO, where she leads the planning and operation of a smart, flexible distribution system that supports local customers and communities.

With over 25 years in the electricity industry, Cathy has worked across the UK and Europe in roles spanning energy trading, strategy, and system operation. At National Grid System Operator, she led the opening up of ancillary service markets to new forms of flexibility, including batteries and demand-side response. She later led Trading and Optimisation at Sembcorp UK, managing a portfolio of flexible assets.

Prior to this, Cathy was Director of Flexibility at ENOWA, the energy company of NEOM in Saudi Arabia, where she was responsible for ensuring that everything was in place to be able to balance and control the fully renewable energy system, including the design and implementation of the flexibility market.  In addition, Cathy led the teams developing the physical flexible assets needed to balance the system, including a 2.1GW, 23 GWh pumped storage station in the desert.

In December 2025, Cathy was appointed as the first Flexibility Commissioner for Great Britain.

Louise Wapshare 

Having qualified as an accountant, Louise spent the first 25 years of her career in various finance roles before moving across to general management in 2019. Working in the energy sector for more than 15 years, Louise has held a number of senior leadership positions within Centrica and SmartestEnergy and is currently CEO of SmartestEnergy Business. She has been a director at WUN since 2023.

Louise is an engaging and dynamic leader, and due to her career path has a broad range of financial, operational and commercial skills and capabilities, which she has used to drive performance and growth in what can be a very challenging market.

Anca Velicu

Anca is a Director of Business Control at Vattenfall and Co-President of the LBS Alumni Energy Club, bringing over 15 years of expertise in renewable energy strategy and law. A dedicated advocate for the energy transition, she also chaired the Vattenfall UK Diverse Energy Network, championing diversity and inclusion within the sector. She holds an MBA from London Business School.