Loughhead is a chartered engineer and has been involved in energy research for more than 30 years. He is replacing Professor David Mackay, who has been in the role since 2009. Loughhead said: “DECC has a great reputation for accessing the best available science and engineering evidence and analysis. I look forward to helping further improve this, and supporting our ministers and the rest of DECC in its insightful use to tackle the great challenges of energy and climate change.”