National Grid global counsel quits after a year in the job

In a shock departure, National Grid Transco (NGT) global general counsel Fiona Smith has resigned from the power giant and will leave at the end of this month.
Smith took on the role of global general counsel last September following National Grid's merger with Lattice in April. She had previously been National Grid's general counsel since 1996.
After handling the merger for National Grid, she then oversaw a major panel review after the integration of the two companies.
It was in part her influence that saw National Grid's lawyers CMS Cameron McKenna retained as lead UK advisers to the merged entity, with regular Lattice adviser Linklaters taking on a secondary role.
Smith is understood to have made her announcement internally in mid-August, although as yet it is unknown what her intentions are for the future.
The company is in the process of looking for a replacement, but no decision has been made as yet.
"She just felt now would be a good time to make a move," said UK head of legal Alison Kay, but would not comment further.
Smith could not be reached for comment.