Scottish Renewables, the industry body representing Scotland’s fast‑growing clean energy sector, has appointed Angela Hepworth as its new chief executive officer following an extensive recruitment process. Hepworth will join the organisation on 20 July and formally take up the CEO role on 31 July, succeeding Claire Mack OBE, who has led Scottish Renewables since 2017.
Bringing more than two decades of experience across the civil service and the energy industry, Hepworth is expected to play a central role in shaping Scotland’s path towards net‑zero. Her appointment comes as Scotland continues to expand its renewable capacity, with recent figures pointing to record levels of green electricity generation and increasing export potential. With a membership spanning onshore and offshore wind, solar, hydro, tidal and emerging technologies, Scottish Renewables offers its new CEO a broad platform from which to influence policy, regulation and investment across the energy landscape.
Outgoing chief executive Claire Mack OBE announced earlier this year that she would step down to pursue the next stage of her career, remaining in post while the search for her successor was carried out. During her tenure, Mack helped cement Scottish Renewables’ position as a leading voice in debates around planning, grid infrastructure and market reform, while consistently championing the role of renewables in Scotland’s economy. Her departure closes a significant chapter for the organisation, which has grown in prominence as renewable technologies have moved from marginal activity to providing more than the equivalent of Scotland’s annual electricity demand.
The arrival of Hepworth underlines the wider maturation of Scotland’s renewables industry, which has shifted from niche sector to cornerstone of national infrastructure in little more than a decade. With major offshore wind projects in the pipeline, evolving UK and Scottish Government energy policies and increasing scrutiny on delivery, Scottish Renewables’ leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the sector can meet ambitious net‑zero targets. Hepworth’s blend of policy acumen and industry experience is regarded as critical to navigating these pressures while maintaining the confidence of government, investors and local communities.
Industry observers note that this leadership transition comes at a time of heightened focus on local supply chains, skills development and community benefit from renewable projects. As Scottish Renewables’ new CEO, Hepworth will be expected to deepen engagement with member companies and wider stakeholders – from large utilities to smaller developers and specialist service providers. Her role will also involve articulating how Scotland’s renewable resources can underpin broader economic resilience, including opportunities for ports, manufacturing, tourism and rural economies linked to the green transition.
Susie Lind, chair of Scottish Renewables, said: “We are delighted to welcome Angela as our new CEO. Her proven track record in the energy sector, combined with her strategic insight into the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition, makes her the ideal new leader to guide Scottish Renewables.
“As we work to deliver a sustainable, secure and affordable energy future for Scotland, Angela’s expertise will be invaluable in representing our members and driving the policy changes necessary to unlock further investment and innovation.”
In Case You Missed It:
Angela Hepworth, incoming CEO of Scottish Renewables, said: “I am honoured to be joining Scottish Renewables at such a transformative time for the energy sector. Scotland has already made remarkable progress in its renewable energy journey, but there is much more to be done to fully realise our potential.
“I look forward to working with the talented team at Scottish Renewables and our diverse membership base to champion the sector, overcome barriers and ensure that renewable energy continues to be the cornerstone of Scotland’s economic and environmental future.”
For Scotland’s hospitality and wider business communities, the continued expansion of renewables carries implications well beyond energy bills, touching on regional development, investment confidence and the narrative of Scotland as a sustainable destination. Hepworth’s leadership at Scottish Renewables will help shape how that story is told – both within Scotland and to international partners – at a time when the country’s green credentials are increasingly central to its global identity and visitor appeal.
