Drax Group Appoints Deidra L. Jackson as Senior VP for North America
Drax Group, a prominent leader in renewable energy and carbon removals, has recently made a significant addition to its executive team. Effective August 4, Deidra L. Jackson will step into the role of Senior Vice President for Corporate Affairs in North America. This strategic hiring aims to strengthen the company’s corporate affairs strategy and enhance stakeholder engagement across the region.
As she takes on this role, Jackson will be at the forefront of fostering relationships with key stakeholders, including government entities, media outlets, industry partners, and local communities. Her extensive background promises to bring fresh insights and depth to Drax’s corporate affairs initiatives.
A Proven Leader in Corporate Affairs
With over 20 years of experience in public affairs, corporate communications, and policy advocacy, Jackson has an impressive track record. Prior to her appointment, she served as Chief External Affairs Officer at Ridgeline Advocacy Group and held the position of Senior Advisor at FTI Consulting. During her tenure, she supported Fortune 500 companies in navigating complex communication challenges, focusing on ESG strategies and regulatory matters.
Jackson's previous roles at well-known organizations, such as BASF, ICF Consulting, Shell Oil Products US, and PricewaterhouseCoopers, have equipped her with a unique mix of skills. She has successfully managed initiatives that dealt with stakeholder activism, crisis communications, corporate philanthropy, and workforce development. Her ability to align business objectives with effective communication strategies has garnered her a reputation as a trusted advisor among corporate leaders and policymakers alike.
Focused on Building Partnerships
Residing in Washington, D.C., Jackson is celebrated for her ability to forge impactful partnerships that span government, industry, and civil society. Throughout her career, she has led multimillion-dollar public affairs campaigns and guided stakeholder coalitions in sectors that are heavily regulated. Her insights will be invaluable as Drax looks to establish its position within emerging markets focused on clean energy and sustainable manufacturing.
Miguel Veiga-Pestana, Drax Group's Chief Sustainability Officer, expressed enthusiasm about Jackson’s appointment, stating, “Deidra brings a wealth of skills and experience to the company, and we're excited to have her on the team. We have a compelling story about how we support local communities, economies, and energy security, and she will play a key role in driving our work forward.”
Jackson herself stated, “I'm honored to join Drax at such a pivotal time in the global energy transition. I look forward to collaborating with our partners throughout North America to foster a cleaner and more secure energy future, generating real benefits for communities, customers, and the planet.”
About Drax Group
Drax Group is committed to meeting the growing demand for secure energy sustainably, with a mission to achieve net-zero emissions across its entire value chain by 2040. The organization is focused on supporting biodiversity and making a positive impact on the lives of its employees, communities, and supply chain workers. Drax employs approximately 3,000 individuals and operates primarily in electricity generation, sales to business customers, and compressed wood pellet production and supply.
Drax's sustainable approach involves the use of wood pellets produced from responsibly managed forests, ensuring compliance with strict traceability and third-party certification standards. These pellets support operations at Drax's power station in North Yorkshire, England, which supplies renewable energy to homes and businesses in the UK as well as to customers in Europe and Asia. As Drax continues to evolve, Jackson’s leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the company’s long-term goals and commitments in renewable energy.
For more information about Drax Group and its initiatives, visit
Drax's official website.