Peak Industry Body Appoints New Chair and Deputy Chair

The Australian Energy Council’s Board has appointed Origin Energy’s Chief Executive Officer, Frank Calabria, as its new Chair.

He will be supported by Erin van Maanen, Executive General Manager, Strategy at Hydro Tasmania, who has been elected Deputy Chair of the peak body for energy retailers and generators.

The Council’s Chief Executive, Louisa Kinnear, welcomed the appointments and said: “Frank Calabria is widely and highly regarded and is committed to our work to support the energy transition and meet the evolving needs of households and businesses.

“Frank and Erin present strong leadership of our Board at a time of major change for the energy sector.

“Their extensive experience means the Board will be able to make important contributions to the work of our members who are at the forefront of the energy transformation.

“I would also like to thank Damien Nicks, Managing Director of AGL Energy, who steps down as Chair, and James Harman, EDL’s Chief Executive Officer, who steps down as his deputy for their support and contributions over the last two years. I’m pleased both Damien and James will remain on our Board and I look forward to their ongoing contribution.”

The AEC Board also welcomed newly appointed Director Andrea Bernard of ENGIE, and Non-Voting Representatives Libby Hawker from Shell Energy Australia, and Catrina Cresswell from Snowy Hydro.

About the Australian Energy Council

The Australian Energy Council is the peak industry body for electricity and downstream natural gas businesses operating in the competitive wholesale and retail energy markets. AEC members generate and sell energy to 10 million homes and businesses and are major investors in renewable energy generation. The AEC supports reaching net-zero by and is committed to delivering the energy transition for the benefit of consumers.