Phil is the President and Chief Executive of Northern Powergrid and has been in the electricity distribution sector since 1993. He is a chartered electrical engineer and progressed through a number of technical and managerial roles in Yorkshire Electricity prior to the merger with Northern Electric in 2001. He joined the board of the combined companies in 2002 and became President in 2006.

Phil remains actively involved in policy development at a national level in the UK, having served on advisory groups that advise the UK Government and the energy regulator, Ofgem, on the development of networks for low carbon economy, sustainable development and consumer protection. He is currently Chair of the Energy Networks Association, and has in the past served as President of the Institute of Asset Management, Chairman of the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Council of the Confederation of British Industry. In 2007 he was awarded an OBE for his services to the energy industry.

Northern Powergrid's safety first culture is reflected with senior leadership of the company's health, safety and training function reporting directly to Phil.