ESB Board Members
Our Board comprises 12 members appointed by the Minister for the Environment, Climate & Communications. Board members include the Chairman, the Chief Executive, six independent Non-executive Directors and four elected Worker Directors.
The Board Members:
- bring independent and objective scrutiny to the oversight of the organisation;
- are challenging when necessary while being supportive to the delivery of organisational strategy and objectives;
- are equipped to offer considered advice on the basis of sound judgement and experience; and
- make a time commitment to their work commensurate with their role.
The appointment and remuneration of Board members (including the Chairman) is determined by the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and the Minister for the Environment, Climate Communications. Under the “one person/one salary rule”, the Chief Executive does not receive a board fee. Terms and conditions are set out in Board member’s Warrants of Appointment.
Dr. Sara Venning
Appointment and Term
14.12.2021 - 13.12.2026
Career Experience
CEO and Board member of Northern Ireland (NI) Water since 2010. Experience in regulated utility management driving delivery in customer service and efficiency. Holds an MEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Queen’s University, Belfast and received an honorary degree from Queen’s University in 2023. Energy networks experience gained working with NIE Networks from 1996 – 2010. A Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers.
External Appointments
President of the NI WaterAid Committee.