The Utility Regulator has welcomed the appointment of two new members to its Board by Finance Minister, John O’Dowd.
Seán Hogan, who has extensive experience in utilities, water and public sector governance, is serving a seven-year term on the Board which commenced on 10 August 2026.
He was previously Chair of Northern Ireland Water from 2011 to 2015 and was a member of the Board of Ervia, the parent company of Irish Water, Gas Networks Ireland and Aurora Telecoms, from 2015 to 2024.
He is currently Chair of WaterRegs UK Ltd and has also held senior board and chair roles across a range of public bodies, including the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company, Newry and Mourne Health and Social Services Trust, and DAERA’s Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Partnership.
Paul Smith, who brings experience in economic regulation, energy markets and consumer policy, is also serving on the Board from 10 August 2026 for seven years.
Mr Smith has extensive experience as a regulatory leader and consultant, with over 20 years’ experience working within multi-jurisdictional regulators across a number of sectors, including energy, aviation, payments and post.
He was Chief Executive of the Australian Energy Market Commission from 2013 to 2015, having served as a Director from 2010. He served on the Board of the UK Civil Aviation Authority from 2018 to 2024, including a period as joint interim Chief Executive, and was previously Group Director for Consumers and Markets.
He is currently a Director at Fingleton, providing strategic regulatory advice to boards, executives and investors across sectors including water, energy and transport.
