Darren Holyoake

Role: Head of Digital, Data and Technology Delivery, National Energy System Operator (NESO) Expertise: Digital, Data and AI| Defence Engineering | Leadership | Veteran Darren Holyoake is a senior engineering leader with over 30 years’ experience in the defence, military, and energy sectors. At NESO, he oversees strategic delivery and partnerships across digital, data, and technology programmes, supporting functions such as energy planning, policy, finance, HR, and AI. Darren’s career began in aeronautical engineering, followed by 25 years in the British Army, later serving as Deputy Head of Engineering at the Atomic Weapons Establishment before joining NESO. Passionate about creating, enabling and driving a seamless and frictionless, interoperable digital energy sector. Known for his technical expertise and people-focused leadership, he frequently speaks on digital transformation and operational resilience. Away from work Darren has 2 daughters; enjoying the outdoors and general fitnes