Spotlight on Mentees: Ben Kuchta

In recognition of National Mentoring Day (27 October), we spoke to Ben Kuchta, who took advantage of IGEM’s mentoring process on his journey to Chartership. We tell the story of his career in the industry so far and get insights into how he has benefited from working alongside a mentor.

Ben Kuchta, Chartered Engineer and industry leader, credits much of his rapid professional growth to the guidance of his mentor.

“Mentoring is a uniquely tailored relationship. With an open mind, a skilled mentor can accelerate progress at an extraordinary pace,” says Ben, reflecting on his experience as a mentee.

He adds: “For those aspiring to take on the role of a mentor, it is not merely an act of giving back; it is also a profound opportunity for personal growth. Engaging with fellow engineers on diverse topics not only enriches one’s own understanding but also broadens one’s network, fostering a community of shared knowledge and experience.”

After quickly achieving EngTech status upon joining IGEM, Ben was determined to progress further, setting his sights on becoming a Chartered Engineer.

Seeking mentorship through IGEM became a pivotal step in that journey. Throughout his career, Ben has valued guidance from colleagues, but he highlights the influence of his mentor, Robert Murray, as particularly transformative.

From the start, he has embraced hands-on roles in the energy sector, treating challenges as opportunities to grow.

Early on, he recognised both the complexity of the industry and the importance of building a strong professional network.

These connections opened doors across engineering, gas and electricity, enabling him to pursue diverse and impactful roles.

In 2019, Ben joined National Grid’s innovation department, where he played an active role in pioneering initiatives to future-proof energy infrastructure.

A few years later, he transitioned to the Chief Engineer’s team, leading resilience projects across gas and electricity in the UK and the US. After working for the organisation for more than six years, Ben was promoted to Director of Strategic Resilience.

In early 2026, Ben moved onto a new role as Chief Technical Engineer at Centrica.

He shared his excitement on his new role and said: "As Chief Technical Engineer at Centrica, I’m responsible for guiding the delivery of our most complex engineering programmes and shaping the technical direction and our innovation portfolio.

"My Chartered Engineer status complements this role by providing a recognised benchmark of professional capability, reinforcing the trust placed in my judgement and leadership. Chartership enhances the credibility of the decisions I make and the teams I lead. It reassures stakeholders and partners that our major programmes - often involving significant technical and operational risk - are being overseen with a high level of expertise."

For nearly a decade, Ben has been an active member of IGEM, progressing through the grades to become a Chartered Engineer. He was drawn to the institution by its spirit of collaboration and its role in uniting professionals from across the energy sector.

“Witnessing experts from diverse organisations come together to tackle industry-wide challenges inspired me to join,” he recalls.

“IGEM not only enables me to contribute to these efforts, but also to help shape the future of our sector.”

He continues: “Seeing professionals from a wide spectrum of organisations come together to tackle complex, industry-wide challenges was the main motivation. I also realised that joining IGEM would not only allow me to contribute to these collective endeavours, but also to play a meaningful role in shaping the future of our sector.

“Throughout my career, I have been deeply fortunate to contribute to working groups and collaborations that have delivered tangible benefits for consumers and the wider sector. These experiences are a testament to the power of shared vision and collective expertise,” he said.

“IGEM has offered both a trusted community and a wealth of resources that have fundamentally shaped my professional journey. The institution creates an environment where learning is continuous, and innovation thrives.

"By participating in IGEM events and engaging with its diverse membership, I have had the privilege to exchange ideas with leaders and practitioners from across the sector. These interactions have broadened my perspective.

“Furthermore, the dedication to professional development has played a key role in my growth. Through workshops, technical seminars, and access to research, I have been able to deepen my expertise and remain at the forefront of industry advancement.

"The mentorship and support available within IGEM have been particularly impactful, guiding me through pivotal career milestones, including my successful applications for professional registration.”

Are you interested in helping others achieve their professional goals? Find out how you can become an IGEM mentor by visiting our Get Involved page.