Our speakers

Basil Scarsella is the Chief Executive Officer of UK Power Networks, owned by ENGIE S.A., which is the largest Distribution Network Operator in the UK, distributing electricity to over eight million homes and businesses across London, the South-East and East of England. It has some 6,500 employees in its regulated and non-regulated areas.

Jessica Johnson is currently the Communications & Advocacy Director at nucleareurope, a position which she has held since 2017. Her role includes the development of internal & external communications strategies, event organisation, drafting of press releases, publications and other communications tools. She is also responsible for liaising with different EU stakeholders such as the European Parliament, trade unions and NGOs.

Furthermore, she works closely with the policy managers to ensure that advocacy and communications go hand in hand for effective lobbying at EU level. This includes mapping of stakeholders (in particular key influencers), messaging for broader audiences and development of relevant communication tools, as well as ensuring nucleareurope and its members speak with one voice at EU and national level. She currently also handles all issues relating to sustainability including, but not limited to, sustainable finance, raw materials impacts, land use, and the circular economy.

Prior to joining nucleareurope, she was in charge of communications at CEMBUREAU, the trade association representing the cement industry at EU level, a role which she held for ten years.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Modern Languages (Spanish and Italian) from the University of Manchester. In addition, she holds a Masters in Conference Interpreting. A British national, she has lived in the UK, Spain and Italy and currently resides in Belgium. She is a native English speaker and is fluent in Spanish, French and Italian.