A new Chief Executive Officer has been appointed for Queensland’s publicly-owned electricity generator, CleanCo.
Deputy Queensland Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Jackie Trad, confirmed Dr Maia Schweizer, an experienced executive, has been endorsed by the CleanCo board.
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to improving competition in the wholesale electricity market and supporting the growth of Queensland’s renewable energy industry, through CleanCo’s mandate to build, own and operate new renewable generation.
“Maia’s extensive global experience in energy and infrastructure means she is well positioned to lead the newly established CleanCo as the organisation prepares to begin trading in the Australian National Energy Market on 31 October.
The Deputy Premier said Dr Schweizer has experience in developing and delivering business strategies in continually evolving and fast-moving environments, achieving outstanding results.
“Maia is a strong leader who has a proven track record in building and leading high-performing teams, and for forging positive relationships with stakeholders across the board.”
Queensland Energy Minister, Dr Anthony Lynham, said Dr Schweizer had the experience to deliver on CleanCo’s mandate, including completing the Renewables 400 Program to deliver up to 400MW of new renewable energy projects in Queensland.
“The Palaszczuk Government is delivering for Queenslanders with the lowest average wholesale electricity prices on the eastern seaboard, reliable supply and a smooth transition to a renewable future.
“I look forward to Dr Schweizer and the CleanCo board also delivering for their shareholders, the people of Queensland, on price, reliability and renewables, to underpin new investment and jobs.”
CleanCo Chair, Ms Jacqui Walters, welcomed Dr Schweizer’s appointment and said she has the skills to establish CleanCo as a dynamic business.
“The Board has full confidence that Maia will build CleanCo to be a truly competitive force in the energy market, focused on improving electricity affordability and contributing to the achievement of Queensland’s 50 per cent renewable energy target by 2030.”
Dr Schweizer brings a wealth of experience including as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company’s London, Houston, Shanghai and Sydney offices. As a geoscientist, Dr Schweizer was awarded a PhD from Oxford University. Most recently she has held general management roles in the gas and retail businesses of Origin Energy.
Ms Walters also thanked Miles George, Interim CEO for the past seven months.
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Miles for taking on the role of Interim CEO. His experience, skills and knowledge have been invaluable in establishing CleanCo and preparing the business to commence trading on the Australian National Energy Market,” Ms Walters said.
Dr Schweizer will commence as CEO of CleanCo on 30 September 2019, with Mr George to remain with the organisation for a period of time to support the transition.
