The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has unveiled key changes to its executive leadership team, taking effect from late August 2025.
AEMO Executive General Manager (EGM) System Design, Merryn York, has announced her retirement from executive roles. Over a distinguished 30-year career, Ms York has held numerous senior roles, including eight years as CEO of Powerlink Queensland and two years as a Commissioner with the Australian Energy Market Commission.
During her time at AEMO, Ms York has championed a collaborative approach to delivering AEMO’s forecasting and planning responsibilities, including the development of the Integrated System Plan. She has also overseen AEMO’s planning functions in Victoria and contributed to improvements in the onboarding and connection process across the National Electricity Market.
As a highly experienced leader within the organisation, AEMO interim EGM Western Australia, Nicola Falcon, will step into the EGM System Design role from late August 2025, ensuring a smooth transition for the team and continuity in this critical role.
Ms Falcon has been with AEMO for 11 years, most recently serving as interim EGM Western Australia. She has previously acted as EGM System Design and EGM Reform Delivery, and has deep experience in the area, including roles as Group Manager for Victorian Planning and Connections, leading AEMO’s planning and forecasting functions and the 2018 and 2020 Integrated System Plan.
AEMO also welcomed Kirsten Rose, currently Deputy Chief Executive at CSIRO, who will join AEMO as EGM Western Australia and Strategy.
Ms Rose joined CSIRO in 2020 as Executive Director, Future Industries, where she led a diverse research portfolio before being appointed Deputy Chief Executive in 2024.
Over the past 12 months, Ms Rose has played a key role in shaping CSIRO’s new Strategy and Engagement sector, which focuses on driving strategic direction, strengthening stakeholder connections, and building public trust in science.
Prior to joining CSIRO, Ms Rose held leadership roles as CEO of the Sustainable Energy Association of Australia, Head of Innovation and Sustainable Operations at BHP, and Chair of the Defence Science Centre of Western Australia.
AEMO congratulated Ms Falcon and Ms Rose on their appointments and said it looks forward to the leadership and impact they will bring. AEMO also thanked Ms York for her significant contribution, leadership and dedication to AEMO and the energy sector over her career so far, and wished her the very best for the future.
AEMO Services Board
AEMO has also announced the appointment of Greg Medcraft as AEMO Services Limited Chair.
AEMO Chair Professor Mary O’Kane AC, who is also serving as interim AEMO Services Limited Chair, welcomed Mr Medcraft’s appointment.
“It is an absolute testament to the important work of AEMO Services, and AEMO broadly, that we have been able to secure a Chair of such high calibre as Greg.
“Greg is a highly distinguished and accomplished Australian, with extensive experience on public and private sector Boards across financial markets and regulation, both in Australia and abroad.
“On behalf of the Board and staff, I welcome Greg’s appointment and look forward to continuing to work with him in my capacity as AEMO Chair,” Professor O’Kane said.
AEMO CEO, Daniel Westerman, also welcomed Mr Medcraft’s appointment.
“It is exciting to have someone with Greg’s depth of knowledge and experience in investment and financial markets now deeply involved in the delivery of critical elements of the energy transition.
“I am confident Greg will make a significant contribution as Chair of AEMO Services Limited in the delivery of the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap as New South Wales Consumer Trustee,” Mr Westerman said.
Mr Medcraft is currently Chair of Australian Finance Group, Chair of the Advisory Board of Global Digital Finance, and Director of Digital Finance Co-operative Research Centre at Thinktank Group.
In addition, Mr Medcraft has previously served as Director of the OECD Directorate for Financial and Enterprise Affairs from November 2017 to July 2021, was a former commissioner and Chair of ASIC and former Mayor in cities in Melbourne and Sydney. Mr Medcraft also has had a long and successful career in the private sector in investment banking across Australia, Asia, Europe and the Americas.
Mr Medcraft commenced his five-year term as AEMO Services Limited Chair on 12 May 2025.
