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EnergyAustralia today announced that its Board has appointed Mr Mark Collette as Managing Director, effective 1 July 2021, following Catherine Tanna’s decision to retire after seven years at the helm.
Chairman Graham Bradley AM said the Board was delighted to appoint Mark to the role and is confident that he will continue to strengthen EnergyAustralia’s position as a leading energy retailer and generator.
“Succession planning began two years ago, and we’re thrilled that an internal candidate has been appointed following a comprehensive domestic and international recruitment process,” said Mr Bradley.
“Mark is a highly experienced executive who has played a pivotal role in positioning EnergyAustralia to navigate the complexities of the energy transition,” he said.
“Under Mark’s leadership we will continue to pursue opportunities as we build a modern energy business that helps keep the lights on.”
Mark joined EnergyAustralia in 2003 and since then has led the Customer, Energy, Trading and Corporate Strategy and Development teams. He is a director of the board of the Australian Energy Council, a former director of the Australian Financial Markets Association, member of the Reliability Panel and holds degrees in Aerospace Engineering, Business Administration and Economics.
He succeeds Catherine Tanna, one of Australia’s most respected leaders, credited as being one of the first in the industry to commit their business to become carbon neutral by 2050.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Catherine for her tremendous achievements and for developing a first-class team,” said Mr Bradley.
“In her trademark authentic and approachable style, she built a culture that enables people to do their best work. Before COVID-19 changed the world of work, Cath had already encouraged progressive ways of working for EnergyAustralia’s people.
“She is also a passionate and genuine supporter of a range of social issues including diversity and inclusion, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander reconciliation and workplace giving.
“That an internal candidate succeeds her is testament to the investment she made in people. She is widely respected by the people of EnergyAustralia and although she will be missed, we understand she feels that it’s the right time to pass the baton.”
Mark said he is honoured to become EnergyAustralia’s next Managing Director and is particularly looking forward to bringing to fruition recently announced initiatives.
“I thank the Board for this opportunity and am committed to carry on the work to build a thriving business capable of delivering momentous projects, such as Australia’s first four-hour, 350 MW utility-scale battery by 2026,” said Mr Collette.
“Our people are our greatest strength and together we will continue to supply energy safely, and reliably, to our 2.4 million customers,” he said.
Ms Tanna said that she is delighted that her successor has been appointed from within EnergyAustralia’s ranks.
“Developing leaders has been a priority and I’m so pleased that this has enabled us to deliver a leadership transition that best suits our business,” said Ms Tanna.
“I congratulate Mark and know that he has the expertise, the drive and vision to lead a business that has become infinitely more complex over time,” said Ms Tanna.
Ms Tanna will continue to lead the company until 1 July 2021.
ENDS
About EnergyAustralia
EnergyAustralia is a leading energy retailer and generator with 2.4 million accounts across eastern Australia. We supply energy to our residential and business customers from a modern energy portfolio, underpinned by coal and gas power plants, as well as renewable energy sources.
We operate Australia’s largest energy sector carbon offsets program, with more than 1.6 million tonnes of CO2e already fully offset and accredited by Climate Active. Under our offsets offering, more than 250,000 of our customers receive carbon neutral electricity and gas at no extra cost.