The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Christine Williams and Ms Kathryn Presser to the AEMO Board as independent non-executive directors, effective 9 January 2023.
AEMO Chairman, Drew Clarke AO, said the experience and diverse skills of these two respected business leaders will add to the depth of knowledge on the Board as AEMO works to enable safe, reliable and affordable energy for the benefit of all Australians.
“I am pleased to welcome new Board members of such a high calibre and look forward to working alongside them as AEMO takes on an equally challenging and exciting role in this once-in-a-generation energy transition,” said Mr Clarke.
The appointments follow an extensive national search with candidates reviewed by the independent Appointment Selection Panel, AEMO’s industry and government members and approved by Energy Ministers.
About Christine Williams
Christine Williams is a professional lawyer, General Counsel and business executive with over two decades of experience.
Christine has extensive experience as an M&A and funds management lawyer and senior business executive in the infrastructure, property, and financial services industries. She has also worked in private practice and in leadership teams for high-profile real estate and infrastructure funds management businesses, advising listed and unlisted boards and participating in deal teams across the spectrum of infrastructure and real estate assets.
Ms Williams was General Counsel for BT Asset Management Property Group and, until recently, an Executive Director and Global General Counsel for the Macquarie Group infrastructure and real asset funds management division for 21 years. Her responsibilities at Macquarie included transactional, investment and risk management activities in electricity generation and electricity and gas transmission and distribution in Australia.
Christine is currently a non-executive director of Queensland Airports Limited, Port of Newcastle Property Trust Group and of not-for-profit organisations supporting indigenous education, the performing arts and affordable housing.
About Kathryn Presser
Kathryn Presser has over 30 years’ experience in executive roles, having worked in several industries including resources, aviation, hospitality, banking and finance, and accounting advisory and audit firms where she has had extensive experience in the management of financial transactions, risk management and strategic planning.
Notably, Kathryn has over 20 years’ experience in ASX Top 200 listed Oil and Gas Company, Beach Energy, as the CFO/Company Secretary where she directed large financing transactions, major capital raising and a number of mergers and acquisitions.
Ms Presser was selected for the inaugural AICD mentoring program and has completed the Harvard Leadership Program and University of Adelaide MBA Program. She has built on these programs and her executive management roles to move into Director roles on several government and financial boards, including the Police Credit Union, Funds SA, Walford Anglican School for Girls, and is the Chair of the Risk and Performance Committee for the SA Department of Treasury and Finance.
Kathryn is a member of the International Women’s Federation, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Company Secretaries, a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia, a Fellow of the Certified Practising Accounting Association and a Fellow of the Institute of Company Directors. She has recently been awarded the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2022 Australia Day Awards for her commitment to accounting and community.