Ian Brooksbank to step down as Hydro Tasmania CEO

Headshot of smiling Ian Brooksbank wearing a suit with ocean vista in background
Ian Brooksbank (Image: Hydro Tasmania)

Hydro Tasmania CEO Ian Brooksbank will step down in October after three years at the helm of one of Australia’s leading renewable energy businesses.

Brooksbank has advised the Board that the time was right for the next stage of his life, moving into semi-retirement to spend more time with family.

Related article: Spotlight On: Hydro Tasmania CEO Ian Brooksbank

Hydro Tasmania chair Richard Bolt paid tribute to Brooksbank’s achievements during his tenure.

“Ian is respected and admired across the company and the energy industry. He is a skilled and compassionate leader, with a sharp business mind and deep knowledge about a sector which is undergoing a major transition,” Bolt said.

“In his time as CEO, he has set a clear strategic path for the business, driving proposals for major new generation and storage projects, delivering strong financial results and championing a significant shift in culture.

“He has been particularly adamant about the importance of safety, and it’s no coincidence that under his leadership we achieved the lowest ever rate of injuries.”

Brooksbank has worked in the energy industry for decades, including executive roles at Blue NRG and AGL, where he managed the Bayswater and Liddell Power Stations. He started at Hydro Tasmania as chief financial officer in 2019, acted in the CEO role from August 2021 and was appointed CEO in July 2022.

“I feel incredibly privileged to work with the team at Hydro Tasmania and proud of our record over these past few years,” Brooksbank said.

“We’ve positioned the business to be at the forefront of the national transition to renewables, which has the potential to deliver enormous benefits to Tasmania and to Australia.

Related article: Hydro Tasmania delivers $168m profit and safety record

“The path ahead is very exciting, but it’s time for another leader to take the reins and drive what is an ambitious agenda. And it’s time for me to slow down and spend more time with my partner and my family. Communication technology is great these days, but it’s not the same.”

A recruitment process for the new Hydro Tasmania CEO will commence in the coming weeks.

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