Press release

Sarah Gillies appointed Chief Executive of the Electricity Authority

  • Corporate

Electricity Authority Chair Dr Nicki Crauford is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Sarah Gillies as Chief Executive of the Electricity Authority, following a robust recruitment process which attracted international and local candidates.

Dr Crauford says: "I am delighted to confirm Sarah as our new Chief Executive. She has proven experience leading teams and fostering relationships across the sector, most recently in the Acting Chief Executive role. I’m confident Sarah’s appointment will provide continuity within the Authority and across industry, as the sector delivers on its critical role in the transition to a low-emissions energy system."

"Sarah is a strategic thinker, a collegial leader, and a trusted advisor to the Board. I know Authority staff and stakeholders will join me in congratulating Sarah and looking ahead to working with her in 2023 and beyond."

Sarah has extensive experience as a leader and lawyer in the private and public sectors. She joined the Electricity Authority in 2019 as General Manager Legal, Monitoring and Compliance, and helped navigate the Authority through a wide range of legal, compliance and monitoring work. She has been Acting Chief Executive of the Authority since 13 October 2022.

Ms Gillies says: "I’m excited at the opportunity to lead the Authority at this important time as we transition to a renewable energy future. I look forward to working alongside industry, government agencies, and consumer groups as we together deliver a low carbon, efficient, dynamic and secure electricity system that has the interests of consumers at its heart."

Sarah commences as permanent Chief Executive immediately.

Recruitment for Sarah’s substantive role as GM, Legal, Monitoring and Compliance, will begin early 2023.

Related News

Watch our February Quarterly update

Our people provided updates on the Energy Competition Task Force programme, Guidelines for communicating price change and industry training.

Call for nominations – Electricity Authority Advisory Group vacancy

We have a vacancy in the Electricity Authority Advisory Group and are seeking nominations from individuals who can contribute consumer and/or mana whenua insig…

Security and Reliability Council Chair and new members appointed

The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko has made four appointments to the Security and Reliability Council to provide advice on reliability of supply, and the p…