Neil Smith joins AMPS with a mission to make the power systems industry better understood and recognised as an enabler of UK economic growth and critical national infrastructure
The Association of Manufacturers and suppliers of Power generating Systems (AMPS) istoday announcing the appointment of Neil Smith as its new Director General, effective from 10 June 2026.
“I am delighted to announce Neil as AMPS’ new Director General,” said Louise Hazel, AMPS Chair.
“Not only does Neil bring with him decades of experience in the power systems industry, he also has extensive experience in market strategy development and sales leadership across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). His skills will be hugely valuable in growing AMPS’ position as the Trusted Voice for the industry.”
On his appointment, Neil said: “I consider it an honour and a privilege to be appointed as the new Director General of AMPS.“Our industry is going through a time of rapid growth and dramatic change. I have worked in power systems for over 30 years and there are more opportunities and challenges for us now than I have ever seen.
AMPS will lead the conversation on power systems as decarbonisation and data centres reshape demand on energy networks
Net zero targets and the data centre boom mean that power systems must become part of the national conversation around energy, and Neil sees AMPS playing a pivotal role in leading this discussion.
“The energy industry is seldom out of the news today. Whether it is decarbonisation and the growth of renewables on the supply side, or massive data centre loads on the customer side, the demands on the network have never been so complex. This complexity adds problems, adds risk, and adds uncertainty. Our industry is here to solve those problems and give energy users certainty.
“The power systems industry, which has long been invisible to the public, has an opportunity now to present itself as an enabler of economic growth and critical national infrastructure. AMPS has a duty to promote our industry, and speak on its behalf in this national conversation.”
AMPS will help to tackle the engineering and manufacturing skills shortage
One of Neil’s biggest priorities for AMPS is to work with the established Training Committee to develop industry-standard training programmes to formalise career paths in the power systems industry to help tackle the wider engineering and manufacturing skills shortage.
“We are working with Europgen and the Electrical Generating Systems Association (EGSA) to develop an international framework for training and development, and to speak as a global industry where it is appropriate,” said Neil.
“We are developing closer links with other trade bodies with similar issues, such as the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA), the Construction Equipment Association (CEA) and Make UK, and I will be working to add to this roster. When manufacturing and engineering can speak with one voice, it strengthens our message to government and the public,” he added.
Neil Smith succeeds Alan Beech as AMPS Director General
Outgoing Director General of AMPS, Alan Beech, has served AMPS for over 25 years, sitting on its council and various subcommittees before becoming Director General in April 2025.
Louise Hazel, AMPS Chair, praised Alan for his distinguished service: “I would like to thank Alan for his drive and dedication to the role and for leaving us with a clear strategy on which we can now build and deliver for the members.”
Neil Smith, incoming Director General, added: “I want to thank and recognise the work of previous incumbents, Alan Beech and David Oates, who I have worked closely with over recent years as they developed the strategy and direction for the Association. My role over the next few years will be to deliver that strategy and communicate the vision the Council and members have set out for our industry.
Of Neil’s appointment, Alan said: “Neil Smith now takes over at an exciting and important time for both AMPS and the wider industry. The opportunities ahead for decentralised energy, resilient power infrastructure and emerging technologies are significant, and I know the Association will continue to go from strength to strength under his leadership.”
More from AMPS
