The Clean Energy Council’s (CEC) long-time Chief Executive, Kane Thornton, has announced that he will step down from the role to spend more time with his family, after more than a decade at the helm of the organisation.
Mr Thornton has spent the last 15 years in leadership roles with the CEC, and more than ten as its Chief Executive.
The CEC said that he has been instrumental in leading the organisation and Australia’s clean energy industry through a period of transformational growth, progressing from an emerging sector to becoming a cornerstone of Australia’s energy future.
In thanking Mr Thornton for his 15-year contribution, CEC, Board Chair, Ross Rolfe, paid tribute to his legacy, acknowledging his leadership through a period of significant evolution for the sector.
“Kane has made an indelible contribution to the CEC and to the broader transformation of Australia’s energy system,” Mr Rolfe said.
“Kane has been at the forefront of creating the policy and the investment environment that has led to the transition and growth of the sector. During his tenure, renewables have become central to Australia’s energy future, now representing more than 40 per cent of Australia’s energy mix.
“Under Kane’s leadership, the organisation has grown in influence, professionalism and impact and is now one of the most significant, mature and influential peak bodies in Australia.”
Mr Thornton’s achievements include advocacy to establish and cement crucial industry policies including the Renewable Energy Target, Capacity Investment Scheme, Hydrogen Headstart, institutions such as ARENA and the CEFC and industry initiatives such as the Connection Reform Initiative. Most recently Mr Thornton initiated and led the clean energy industry’s latest public information campaign, Clean Energy Works for Australia, ensuring the Australian public understands the facts in the lead up to the 2025 Federal Election and beyond.
Mr Rolfe said the impact of this campaign was obvious in the strong vote of confidence in the nation’s clean energy future at the ballot box over the weekend.
“Kane leaves not only an enduring legacy for the sector but has positioned the CEC well for its next phase of growth amid greater policy certainty and investor confidence, which includes earning greater trust and support in the communities in which we operate,” Mr Rolfe said.
Mr Thornton said it had been a privilege to serve the industry and the organisation during such a defining chapter.
“It has been the privilege of my career to lead the CEC and to work alongside such committed, passionate and principled people across the industry. I am proud to be leaving the organisation as it enters its next period of growth and opportunity,” he said.
“The federal election was a referendum on renewable energy and the outcome provides important continuity for strong and effective policy that is critical to new investment in clean energy and better outcomes for all Australian energy customers.
“The clean energy sector has never been more important, and I have full confidence in the team, the Board and the broader industry to continue to deliver Australia’s clean energy future.”
Having dedicated more than a decade and a half to the CEC and to the sector, Mr Thornton will take a career break to spend time with family and friends and in the outdoors, officially stepping down from the role on 1 August 2025.
The Board of the CEC has commenced a national search for a new Chief Executive to lead the organisation into its next phase.
