National Grid names new general counsel as veteran Mahy steps down

She will leave the business in January 2013 and will be replaced by Alison Kay, who is currently commercial director of the company’s UK transmission business, having been UK general counsel three years ago.

During her stint with National Grid Mahy has been a trusted advisor to the board and the executive committee, particularly in leading the company through its merger with Lattice in 2002.

Other key pieces of legal work included the acquisition of KeySpan in 2007 and the issuance of the largest corporate rights issue for growth in Europe in 2010.

The Lawyer understands that Mahy is not moving to a new role within the legal sector, but will continue in her non-executive roles – including on the board of Stagecoach – as well as the mentoring work she enjoys.

Mahy said: “I’ve been privileged to work at National Grid, which has had so many interesting challenges for me over the years, as well as having had a wonderful team to support me.”

Mahy was chair of the FTSE in-house group, the GC100, for 12 months up until the end of 2007, when she was replaced by Prudential general counsel Peter Maynard (21 January 2008).

Mahy, who has also led the company’s inclusion and diversity activities, is a published author.

Last year (11 September 2011), she spoke to The Lawyer about her enjoyment on writing The Adventures of Basil the Spaniel and working closely with young offenders through the National Grid’s Young Offender Programme.

Mahy said she will take “personal time” to pursue her writing.