Former audit partner and international energy expert make leadership boost at SONI with dual Board appointments
Dr Jayesh Parmar and Michael Kidd bring global energy expertise and financial governance experience to support SONI’s work in delivering Northern Ireland’s future electricity system
Northern Ireland’s electricity Transmission System Operator, SONI (System Operator for Northern Ireland) has appointed of two new independent non-executive directors to its Board.
Former audit partner Michael Kidd will join the SONI board alongside Dr Jayesh Parmar, an international energy and policy expert.
As Northern Ireland's Transmission System Operator (TSO), SONI plans and manages the electricity transmission system to ensure power can flow from where it is generated to where it is needed today and into the future.
SONI chair, Dr Peter McNaney CBE, said: “We are delighted to welcome Dr Jayesh Parmar and Michael Kidd to the Board. They both bring a wealth of experience and expertise that will complement the already strong skill set of the SONI Board.
“We are in a really significant and exciting phase of our journey here at SONI and we look forward to working with Michael and Jayesh as we continue to build our skills, experience and expertise to drive the success of SONI, Northern Ireland’s Transmission System Operator.”
Dr Parmar is a chartered engineer and energy and policy expert with over 25 years’ experience in the UK and international energy sectors.
He explained: “I have worked with many governments, regulators and energy companies around the world to help drive change in energy
market design, the energy transition and regulatory reform. SONI plays a key role in Northern Ireland’s energy system, and I am excited to join the Board and apply my knowledge to help strengthen their capacity to help deliver the energy transition in Northern Ireland.”
Michael Kidd is a chartered accountant and former EY audit partner. He has significant experience across corporate and business banking, having formerly held the position of head of Business Banking UK at Bank of Ireland and currently as non-executive director and audit
committee chair at Danske Bank UK.
Michael added: “SONI plays a key role in helping to shape the energy transition in Northern Ireland. I am really pleased to join the Board as a non-executive director and I look forward to working with the team at SONI as they continue to work towards delivering a cleaner energy future.”