#LeadingWithPurpose Spotlight: Mark Horsley, CEO of Northern Gas Networks

Our #LeadingWithPurpose Spotlight interview series sees organisational leaders explain what leading with purpose means to them and how they strive to make their organisation a force for good in society.

In this episode, read how Mark Horsley, CEO of Northern Gas Networks, does so.

Mark, what inspires you personally to lead with purpose?

Throughout my career, I've found deep inspiration in creating opportunities for others to grow and develop personally. Being able to provide meaningful career opportunities for people in the regions we serve has been particularly fulfilling.

As the leader of an anchor organisation, I take great pride in supporting our communities and, wherever possible, helping to shape and influence positive change within them. I'm especially motivated by our organisation's ability to take a leading role both regionally and nationally in ensuring a fair energy transition as we collectively work toward achieving Net Zero goals.

After spending 50 years in the energy sector, starting as a Craft Apprentice and working my way to CEO, I find tremendous purpose in sharing this wealth of experience with others and inspiring the next generation of industry leaders.

Can you share a story or moment that shaped your own leadership?

Having undertaken a number of business transformations during my career and the different approaches taken, which to a large degree were driven by the scale and speed of change.

I have found, which is should be of no surprise that the key success factor is communication and being able to explain the ‘why and the ‘how’. So often, as we are still seeing today, decisions are driven by spreadsheet analysis and somehow the people perspective becomes lost. I decided to do things very differently in my current role of now almost 15 years, I took time to reflect on the changes required and yes ’tough love’ was required at points along the journey. 

However, in essence building a culture of openness and transparency has led to an enduring success for both my colleagues and I believe, the communities we serve.

As a result, we are the most cost efficient business in the sector, which leads to cheaper bills and we are consistently in the upper quartile for customer service. We also take a very active role in the energy transition journey.

I believe these are intrinsically linked to our culture and how we have transformed as a business over the last few years.

And lastly Mark, how did you find purpose in your work?

Energy is truly the lifeblood of our country – it powers our businesses, feeds our families, and keeps us warm in our homes. Throughout my career, I've come to recognise that there can be no greater privilege than being part of an industry that stands at the very heart of our communities. This fundamental connection between our work and the daily lives of people has been the wellspring of purpose that has sustained and motivated me throughout my professional journey.