Western Power has appointed a new Chief Executive Officer.
Sam Barbaro has been appointed Chief Executive Officer at Western Power, effective immediately.
Mr Barbaro has been acting CEO for the past five months and has played an extensive role in the transformation of the energy sector during the 15 years he has worked at the utility.
With more than 20 years’ experience across legal, commercial and operations, he brings a wealth of strategic knowledge and capability in leading one of the State’s most essential service providers.
Mr Barbaro has been an executive team member since 2014 in the roles of General Counsel and Executive Manager of Governance and Assurance and Executive Manager of Asset Operations.
He joined Western Power in 2007 from the corporate sector, and has played a pivotal role in Western Power’s service to the community.
Mr Barbaro is also a non-executive director of the Fiona Wood Foundation and Leadership WA.
Western Power is owned by the people of Western Australia and is responsible for building, maintaining and operating an electricity network, which connects 2.3 million customers.
Western Australian Energy Minister, Bill Johnston, welcomed the new appointment.
“I’m very pleased that Sam Barbaro has been appointed as Western Power’s Chief Executive Officer during a significant and transformative time for Western Australia’s energy sector,” Mr Johnston said.
“Mr Barbaro has proven himself to be extremely capable in steering the organisation into a renewable energy future and I congratulate him on his appointment.
“The past few years have seen a marked shift in decarbonisation and I’m confident Mr Barbaro’s experience in leading the organisation’s recovery efforts during Cyclone Seroja and the Wooroloo bushfire has put him in great stead.
“Western Australia’s energy sector is facing an exciting and challenging time and I’m sure he will be able to continue Western Power’s important role as we progress towards net zero emissions by 2050.”
