Queensland’s new publicly owned electricity generator, CleanCo, has appointed its inaugural permanent chief executive officer.
Deputy Premier Jackie Trad today confirmed Dr Maia Schweizer, an experienced executive, has been endorsed by the CleanCo board.
“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 October 31,” she said.
The Deputy Premier said Dr Schweizer has experience in developing and delivering business strategies in continually evolving and fast-moving environments, achieving outstanding results.
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 400 megawatts 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,” he said.
“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.”
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CleanCo Chair 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, focussed on improving electricity affordability and contributing to the achievement of Queensland’s 50 per cent renewable energy target by 2030,” she said.
Dr Schweizer previously held positions as a management consultant in 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, stating, “His experience, skills and knowledge have been invaluable in establishing CleanCo and preparing the business to commence trading on the Australian National Energy Market.”
Dr Schweizer will commence as CEO of CleanCo on September 30, 2019, with Mr George to remain with the organisation for a period of time to support the transition.
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