Neil Kirkby

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT NEIL KIRKBY

In September 2025, Neil joined IES with ambitious plans to grow and develop the business, drawing on his extensive leadership experience across multiple sectors. Before joining IES, Neil spent eight years at SSE, where he joined SSE Enterprise as Managing Director in January 2017. The business later evolved into SSE Energy Solutions, leading on distributed energy solutions to help customers decarbonise. Neil also served as a board member for SSE’s 50%-owned Telecoms business. Earlier in his career, Neil was Managing Director, Global Power Networks at Balfour Beatty plc. He had previously been Chief Executive Officer at Enterprise Ltd, following a spell as Managing Director for Serco plc. His first role was as a Police Officer in South Yorkshire. He now lives in Warrington, Cheshire. Neil is an experienced CEO / General Manager with a strong financial and operational background. He has operated in both listed and private equity environments for over 23 years, with 19 years at main board / executive committee level. He has a proven track record of delivering growth (organic and via M&A), leading MBOs, moving companies to and from London Stock Exchange listings, and driving significant improvements in operational efficiency. Self-motivated and ambitious, Neil is recognised for his inclusive management style and strategic outlook. His career spans a wide range of sectors including utilities, infrastructure, defence, manufacturing, biotech and healthcare, retail, services, and the local/central government supply chain, with substantial exposure to both UK and international markets. Specialties: Strategic development, business development/work winning, operational efficiency, M&A (negotiation, due diligence, integration), financial management, fundraising, long-term/major projects and construction contracting, turnaround, change management, and management development.