The North Sea Transition Authority is delighted to announce that our new Chair is Liz Ditchburn, who will commence her role on 22 October 2024, following her predecessor Tim Eggar’s term of over five years coming to an end.

The new Chair will head the NSTA Board, which is responsible for regulating and influencing the UK’s oil, gas, offshore hydrogen and carbon storage industries.

Liz is an experienced public policy leader who is currently on the board of the Net Zero Technology Centre in Aberdeen, where she is also the Audit Committee Chair.

She has worked at a senior level for both the Scottish and UK governments. Most recently, she was Director General for Economy for the Scottish Government, leading on all aspects of the economy and the drive towards net zero in Scotland. Previously, she was Policy Director at the Department for International Development (now part of FCDO).

Liz Ditchburn said: “The NSTA is engaged in one of the most important transitions in the UK as we all come to terms with what a net zero world requires. The prize if we get this transition right is huge but the stakes for communities and individuals if we don’t are high.”

NSTA Chief Executive, Stuart Payne, said: “We have said farewell to Tim who has led the Board for the past five years and has been a strong leader, advisor and supporter to both Andy Samuel, my predecessor, and myself.”

“I’m delighted that Liz has been appointed. She brings with her not only a wealth of experience working in government but also a genuine excitement and interest in our work.”