Hydrogen UK has announced that Graham Dixon, Project Development Manager UK&I at Lhyfe, has been appointed as the new Chair of the Young Hydrogen Professionals Network (YHPN), succeeding Megan Backhouse, Product Manager – Hydrogen, Hymera® and Services at BOC, who led the network through its successful first year.
The announcement follows Graham being named Hydrogen UK’s Future Hydrogen Leader at the Hydrogen UK Annual Conference and Awards earlier this month recognising his leadership and commitment to advancing the hydrogen sector.
The Young Hydrogen Professionals Network was launched by Hydrogen UK in 2025 to support and connect hydrogen professionals under the age of 35, providing a platform for collaboration, career development and engagement with the wider hydrogen industry.
Under Megan Backhouse’s leadership, the network has grown rapidly over its first year with 252 members, establishing a strong foundation for young professionals across the sector. Key achievements include the launch of the Young Hydrogen Professionals LinkedIn group, the creation of dedicated committees focused on networking, communications and skills development, and the delivery of a YHPN workshop at our annual conference.
Megan Backhouse, Product Manager – Hydrogen, Hymera® and Services at BOC and outgoing Chair of the Young Hydrogen Professionals Network, said:
“We launched the Young Hydrogen Professionals Network to give early-career professionals a voice and a space to connect across the hydrogen sector. Over the past year we’ve built a fantastic community and created real opportunities for collaboration and professional development. I’m incredibly proud of what the network has achieved so far and I’m delighted to hand over the role to Graham, who will bring fresh energy and ideas as the network continues to grow.”
Graham has been involved in the network since its launch, joining as an early member and contributing as part of the YHPN committee, helping to support its development through its first year. As the new Chair, he will lead the next phase of the network’s growth, building on the foundations established and expanding opportunities for young professionals to contribute to the UK’s developing hydrogen economy.
Graham Dixon, Project Development Manager UK&I at Lhyfe and Chair of the Young Hydrogen Professionals Network, said:
“It’s a real honour to take on the role of Chair of the Young Hydrogen Professionals Network. I’ve been involved in the network since it launched last year and it has been incredible to see how the community has come together to create a valuable network that supports young professionals across the hydrogen sector. The industry is growing quickly, and the next generation will play a critical role in delivering the projects and innovation needed to scale hydrogen in the UK.
As I take on the role of Chair, my goal is to grow the network further and create new opportunities to allow young professionals to collaborate with one another and thrive in their professional career.”
The Young Hydrogen Professionals Network is open to anyone under the age of 35 working in, or interested in, the hydrogen sector. Members gain access to networking opportunities, industry insights, skills development initiatives and Hydrogen UK events.
Clare Jackson, CEO of Hydrogen UK, said:
“The Young Hydrogen Professionals Network plays an important role in supporting the people who will drive the hydrogen sector forward in the years ahead. It has been fantastic to see the network flourish in its first year under Megan’s leadership, and we are delighted that Graham will now take on the role of Chair as it continues to grow and support the next generation of hydrogen leaders.”
