The Albanese Government is pleased to announce appointments to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) Board.
ARENA plays a critical role in helping Australia meet its energy and climate targets by accelerating innovation and deploying renewable energy technologies, while investing in Government priorities such as low carbon liquid fuels, renewable energy manufacturing and electrification to help deliver cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy for Australians.
The appointments come as ARENA continues to support the commercialisation of emerging clean energy technologies that will strengthen Australia’s energy system, grow new industries and help Australia become a renewable energy superpower.
The Australian Government has appointed Ms Marianna O’Gorman as Chair of the ARENA Board for a three-year term from 18 July. Ms O’Gorman will become the first woman to serve as Chair in the agency’s history.
An experienced board director, Ms O’Gorman brings strong expertise in sustainable investment, energy generation, clean technology innovation and policy.
She has been the inaugural Deputy Chair of the ARENA Board and has also served across public and non-profit sectors including at Stanwell Corporation and McKell Institute Queensland.
Other appointments to the ARENA Board include Ms Elizabeth O’Leary as Deputy Chair, and Mr Kobad Bhavnagri and Ms Lara Olsen as new members, for three years from 18 July.
Ms Ruby Heard and Dr Dean Travers will stay as members of the Board for a three-year term commencing on 23 July.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the appointments would strengthen ARENA’s role in driving Australia’s net zero transition.
“I congratulate Ms O’Gorman as Chair and Ms O’ Leary as Deputy Chair, and the new and reappointed members to the ARENA Board.
“These appointments bring world-class expertise in renewable energy, investment and corporate governance to help ARENA continue backing the technologies and industries that will deliver cheaper energy, stronger regional economies and more Australian jobs.
“I also thank outgoing Chair Mr Justin Punch and Board member Mr Stephen McIntosh for their significant contributions to the Board.”
Mr Punch provided strong leadership during a pivotal period in Australia’s renewable and clean energy transition, including helping oversee ARENA’s expanded role supporting the Government’s Future Made in Australia priorities, while Mr McIntosh’s strong technical expertise helped guide ARENA’s investments in renewable energy.
Since being established in 2012, ARENA has provided more than $4.4 billion in grant funding to more than 832 projects.
ARENA has helped leverage more than $32 billion in investment in Australia’s renewable energy sector, supporting renewable energy, energy efficiency and electrification projects across Australia.
Background:
Marianna O’Gorman
Marianna has served three years on the ARENA Board and as Deputy Chair since March 2025. Her career spans roles at the World Bank, the Australian Government, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, and public policy think tanks. She holds a Master of Climate Change from the Australian National University and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Queensland.
Elizabeth O’Leary
Elizabeth has served four years on the ARENA Board and as the chair of People and Culture Committee. She is Senior Managing Director and Global Chair of Agriculture and Natural Assets for Macquarie Asset Management (MAM). Under her leadership, MAM Agriculture and Natural Assets has become one of Australia’s largest diversified agriculture portfolios. She is an experienced board and investment committee member.
Kobad Bhavnagri
Kobad is a leading expert on the energy transition, with a deep understanding of the technologies across the sectors in which ARENA operates. He has worked in the energy and finance industries since 2003 as an engineer, analyst and strategist and is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer in the faculty of engineering at the University of New South Wales.
Lara Olsen
Lara is a chemical engineer and is currently Chair of the Industry and Consumer Reference Group at Solar Victoria. She has extensive experience in the energy and utilities sector and was recognised as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering in 2023.
Ruby Heard
Ruby has served two years on the ARENA Board. She is an electrical engineer and founding director of Alinga Energy Consulting, providing energy research, feasibility and design services with a focus on affordable and sustainable off-grid systems that improve livelihoods for Indigenous communities. Ms Heard is a descendant of the Jaru people of the Kimberley.
Dr Dean Travers
Dean has served two years on the ARENA Board. He has more than 25 years of experience in the energy sector across global markets in mergers and acquisitions, deal structuring, project development and operations. He has worked across Australia, Southeast Asia and Europe with global electricity utility and energy service company ENGIE.
