Jonathan Brearley

Jonathan Brearley (23 July 1973) is the Permanent Secretary at Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. He was previously chief executive officer of Great Britain's energy regulator Ofgem.

Early life Brearley grew up in Wiltshire. His father served in the Royal Navy and later became a chartered surveyor. He attended Gillingham School, a comprehensive school in Dorset, and then studied for a BSc degree in maths and physics at University of Glasgow. Later, he studied for an MPhil degree in economics at University of Cambridge.

Career Brearley worked in Prime Minister Tony Blair’s strategy unit within 10 Downing Street from 2002 to 2006.

After leaving the UK civil service, Brearley ran a consultancy working on projects in the energy industry including market reforms in India.

In February 2026, Brearley was appointed Permanent Secretary for Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Personal life Brearley is married with two sons. They own a farmhouse in Buckinghamshire valued at £1 million, and another property in Dorset.