PHOENIX Natural Gas chief executive Michael McKinstry has confirmed he is retiring after 27 years in the utility business.
He is one of the longest serving members of the gas industry in the north, having been a member of the leadership team at Phoenix since its establishment in 1996, initially as chief financial officer and since 2014 as chief executive.
Phoenix is the largest gas distribution business in the north, operating a network across the Greater Belfast, Larne, Whitehead and East Down areas, extending to around 4,000km of pipeline.
Michael will be succeeded from April by Kailash Chada, the current CFO at Phoenix, who has held several senior roles in leading financial institutions in London, including interim chief executive for a division of Ulster Bank.
Michael’s career in the gas industry coincided with a period of considerable greenfield investment, during which time Phoenix constructed a pipeline infrastructure to deliver gas to more than 350,000 properties.
It has also gained international recognition for its commitment to responsible business practices and supporting local communities. Its pipeline investment, in one of the most modern gas networks globally, leaves Phoenix well placed to play a key role in the delivery of an integrated net zero energy system in Northern Ireland.
Prior to joining Phoenix, he undertook various financial management roles across a broad range of business sectors including electricity, heavy engineering, and textiles.
A qualified accountant and a member of the Institute of Directors, he holds various governance roles in the education and charitable sectors.
Phoenix Group chairman Peter Dixon said: “I'm confident Kailash will build on the great success achieved under Michael’s distinguished leadership.
“At a time when there are significant opportunities for the energy sector to develop alternative renewable solutions from increasingly indigenous production sources, Kailash’s determination and drive will be key assets in leading Phoenix through its next phase of growth and development."
