Siemens appoints new head of Electrification and Automation in the UK & Ireland

  Posted by: electime      8th July 2026

Siemens has appointed a new Head of Electrification and Automation for the UK & Ireland, as the company strengthens its focus on supporting the transformation of the UK’s energy system.

Steve Goldspink, previously Siemens’ UK Head of Business Development for Smart Infrastructure, has spent more than 25 years at the company, and brings extensive experience across transmission and distribution, offshore wind and infrastructure. His career has spanned engineering, sales, corporate strategy and senior leadership roles.

In his new role, he will lead a business focused on the technologies that connect, protect and optimise the grid – combining electrification, automation and industrial AI – supporting customers across utilities, industry and critical infrastructure. His appointment reflects the growing importance of electrification as a driver of economic growth, energy security and decarbonisation.

Steve is taking on the role as the business invests in innovation and skills to support the long-term resilience of the energy system. At its Hebburn facility in the North East, Siemens is advancing new approaches to testing and validating grid technologies, including the use of virtual factory acceptance testing to improve efficiency and reduce delivery timelines.

The site will also host a new Power Academy, aimed at developing the next generation of engineers in grid protection, control and automation, helping to address a growing industry skills gap.

Steve Goldspink, Head of Electrification, Siemens UK & Ireland, said: “Upgrading grid infrastructure is critical to the energy transition. Electrification is accelerating across power, industry and transport, and networks need to evolve to meet that demand reliably.

“Our Electrification and Automation business combines electrical infrastructure with digital technologies to help manage that complexity. From modernising substations to deploying protection and control systems, digitalisation is enabling networks to be operated more efficiently and with greater resilience.

“Sustainability is also a key focus. We are supporting the transition away from SF₆ gas by deploying clean air alternatives that reduce environmental impact while maintaining performance.

“Ultimately, this is about applying technology with purpose, helping customers respond to today’s pressures while building a more secure, lower-carbon energy system for the future.”

Brian Holliday, Chief Executive Officer, Siemens UK & Ireland, said: “A modernised, digitally enabled grid will underpin the UK’s future growth, managing the capacity we need to deliver clean energy and support more productive, competitive industry.

“Steve’s experience across infrastructure and energy makes him well placed to lead this business at a time when the pace of change is accelerating and the demand for smarter grid solutions has never been greater.”

The transformation of the UK and Ireland’s energy systems will be a key theme discussed at Transform 2026, where thousands of industry leaders, technology experts and policymakers will convene at Manchester Central to explore the future of digital and sustainable transformation. Hosted by Siemens, the free-to-attend two-day conference and exhibition will take place on July 15th and 16th.

To register for Transform, visit: https://www.siemens.com/en-us/events/transform/uk-ireland/?stc=ukcg200659