AEMO is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Mary O’Kane AC as the incoming Independent Chair of the Board, commencing 2 April 2024.
Professor O’Kane’s appointment follows an extensive search by the AEMO Board, with an independent selection panel and final decision by the Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council.
Professor O’Kane will replace Mr Drew Clarke AO PSM, who has served as AEMO Chair since November 2017.
In welcoming Professor O’Kane to AEMO, Mr Clarke said: “Mary is one of Australia’s most eminent scientists and engineers, with deep public policy and governance experience.
“For the last 25 years, Mary has served on many Australian and overseas boards and committees in the public and private sectors, especially related to research, engineering, ICT and energy.
“On behalf of the Board and staff, we welcome Mary to AEMO as we collaborate with stakeholders to plan the energy transition in line with government policies to reach a net zero economy by 2050,” he said.
AEMO CEO, Daniel Westerman, thanked Mr Clarke: “As Chair, Drew’s knowledge and decades of experience helped steer AEMO through many difficult challenges, always in the best interests of Australian energy consumers.
“Drew has been a trusted advisor and mentor to me and many others, both at AEMO and across the industry, and I wish him well in his retirement,” he said.
Professor O’Kane is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering and an Honorary Fellow of Engineers Australia.
In 2016, Professor O’Kane was made a Companion of the Order of Australia for eminent service to science and engineering, a contributor to policy development, technology research and higher education, and as a role model for young scientists.
Professor O’Kane currently serves on several Boards, including as Chair of the Independent Planning Commission of NSW and Sydney Health Partners, along with Directorships at AEMO Services, Silver Chain Group and Sydney Water. She has been Chair of Tasmania’s Aurora Energy since 2018.
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