Today, AEMO announced two changes to its Executive Leadership Team, effective from late August 2025.
Executive General Manager (EGM) System Design
AEMO’s EGM System Design, Merryn York, has announced her retirement from Executive roles. Over a distinguished 30-year career, Merryn has held numerous senior roles, including eight years as CEO of Powerlink Queensland and two years as a Commissioner with the Australian Energy Market Commission.
During her time at AEMO, Merryn has championed a collaborative approach to delivering AEMO’s forecasting and planning responsibilities, including the development of the Integrated System Plan. She has also overseen AEMO’s planning functions in Victoria and contributed to improvements in the onboarding and connection process across the National Electricity Market.
Nicola Falcon, AEMO’s interim EGM Western Australia and a highly experienced leader within the organisation, will step into the EGM System Design role from late August, ensuring a smooth transition for the team and continuity in this critical role.
Nicola has been with AEMO for 11 years, most recently serving as interim EGM Western Australia. She has previously acted as EGM System Design and EGM Reform Delivery, and has deep experience in the area, including roles as Group Manager for Victorian Planning and Connections, leading AEMO’s planning and forecasting functions and the 2018 and 2020 Integrated System Plan.
EGM Western Australia and Strategy
AEMO welcomes Kirsten Rose, currently Deputy Chief Executive at CSIRO, who will join AEMO as EGM Western Australia and Strategy.
Kirsten joined CSIRO in 2020 as Executive Director, Future Industries, where she led a diverse research portfolio before being appointed Deputy Chief Executive in 2024.
Over the past 12 months, Kirsten has played a key role in shaping CSIRO’s new Strategy and Engagement sector, which focuses on driving strategic direction, strengthening stakeholder connections, and building public trust in science.
Prior to joining CSIRO, Kirsten held leadership roles as CEO of the Sustainable Energy Association of Australia, Head of Innovation and Sustainable Operations at BHP, and Chair of the Defence Science Centre of Western Australia.
AEMO congratulates Nicola and Kirsten on their appointments and looks forward to the leadership and impact they will bring. AEMO thanks Merryn for her significant contribution, leadership and dedication to AEMO and the energy sector over her career so far, and wishes her the very best for the future.
ENDS