He succeeds Nick Ellins, who steps down at the end of July after 5 years in post. Phil will take over formally from 21 September, with Company Secretary and Finance & Assurance Director, Rachel Thomas, providing interim cover as Acting Managing Director from August.
Phil Beach joined Ofqual in January 2015 as the Director of Strategic Relationships for General Qualifications. In his role as Executive Director for Vocational and Technical Qualifications, Phil has led the reforms for technical qualifications and the COVID-19 response across vocational qualifications. Before joining Ofqual, he served in the Royal Air Force, with much of his career focused on command, leadership, strategy, policy and capability. He received an MBE in the 2000 New Year’s Honours List, a Queen’s Commendation in 2004 and his CBE in 2014.
On the appointment, Energy & Utility Skills Chair, Jan Ward CBE, commented:
“We are delighted to appoint Phil as our new Chief Executive, at a key moment when our Energy & Utilities Skills Partnership has just set out our sector workforce plan for 2020-2025, and the Energy & Utility Skills Board has agreed our 5 year strategy and business plans. Phil impressed us with his extensive experience of working with senior stakeholders, managing complex strategy involving multiple organisations and having an intimate knowledge of the skills agenda across the UK.”
Phil Beach CBE said:
“I am delighted to be joining Energy and Utility Skills at such an important time for the organisation and the sector. The workforce plan for 2020-2025 paints a clear picture of the skills needs of the sector and I am really excited to be involved in delivering this critically important strategy, working closely with the Energy and Utilities Skills Partnership”.