The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) welcomes the announcement by the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon Chris Bowen MP, of new leadership appointments to the ARENA Board.
Deputy Chair Ms Marianna O’Gorman has been appointed Chair of the ARENA Board, replacing Mr Justin Punch on 18 July. Justin has served in the role since July 2020. Current Board member, Ms Elizabeth O’Leary, has been appointed as Deputy Chair and re-appointed for another term.
ARENA also welcomes the appointment of Ms Lara Olsen and Mr Kobad Bhavnagri to the ARENA Board, while farewelling longstanding Board Director Mr Stephen McIntosh.
Zoe von Batenburg, who is Acting CEO while Darren Miller is on leave, welcomed the appointments, saying the new leadership team would help guide the agency through the next phase of Australia’s energy transition.
“ARENA plays a critical role in accelerating the development and adoption of renewable energy technologies, and strong leadership at the Board level is essential to us delivering on this mission,” Ms von Batenburg said.
“Marianna’s experience across clean energy investment and public policy, and Elizabeth’s deep financial and sector expertise, have already been invaluable to us and we’re delighted to have a female Chair and Deputy Chair leading the board for the first time in ARENA’s history.”
“I’m also thrilled to welcome Lara and Kobad to the Board, both of whom will bring additional expertise and fresh perspectives to support the agency’s work in accelerating Australia’s transition to net zero emissions.”
“I would like to acknowledge the significant contribution of outgoing Chair Justin Punch and Director Stephen McIntosh, who have helped guide the agency through a period of growth and impact and have been instrumental in shaping ARENA’s strategic direction,” Ms von Batenburg said.
“We thank them both for their dedicated service and lasting contribution to Australia’s renewable energy sector.”
The Minister has also announced that current Board members Ms Ruby Heard and Dr Dean Travers have been reappointed for another term.
