Transpower appoints new chief executive

Alison Andrew will take over as head of Transpower early next year. Photo / Christine Cornege

State-owned enterprise Transpower, which owns and operates the national grid, has appointed Alison Andrew as its new chief executive.

Andrew will take the helm from Patrick Strange when he departs Transpower early next year.

Transpower chairman Mark Verbiest said Andrew had senior executive experience across a broad range of industries, including energy, chemicals, dairy, pulp and paper.

Her previous experience and leadership ability would help drive further improvements throughout the company, he said.

Andrew is an engineer by background and has been a director of Genesis Energy since 2012.

Her most recent role was as global head of chemicals for Orica, a multinational mining services company, where she has been since 2009.

Previously, she has been head of Lexicon group and worked at Fonterra and Fletcher Challenge Energy.

"I look forward to working with the Transpower team, and I'm delighted to be joining a company that plays such an important role in delivering a reliable supply of electricity to all New Zealanders," she said.

- nzherald.co.nz