Our people
We’re backed by some of the best. Powerco Limited is 58% owned by funds managed by QIC Limited and 42% owned by funds managed by Dexus.
Board of Directors
Providing strategic guidance for Powerco, our Board makes sure we’re on track to perform well for our customers and are accountable to our shareholders. They also focus on creating value for our shareholders into the future.
John Loughlin - Chair
MBA, BCA, FCA, FNZIM, ANZIIF (Fellow), AFInstD, INFINZ (Fellow)
John is a professional Company Director and along with being Chair of the Powerco Board, he is Chair of EastPack, Rockit Global, Coda Group and Blulab.
In his executive career, John was Finance Manager, then Chief Executive of Richmond Limited. He has also worked as an institutional fund manager. John and his wife Kathryn established and own Askerne Estate Winery.
John was appointed to the Powerco Board in December 2013.
Bopha Ly
BEc, GradDipAppFin
Bopha Ly is Managing Director, Energy and Renewables at Dexus, where she is responsible for investment in energy infrastructure and asset management of Dexus’s energy portfolio.
Bopha has more than 25 years of experience in the energy and structured trade and project finance industries, with a focus in energy sector acquisitions, divestments, and investment management across all sub-sectors of the energy industry. Prior to Dexus, Bopha held senior roles at AMP Capital, AGL Energy and Export Finance and Insurance Corporation.
Bopha is a Director at Powerco and has been a director at Endevour Energy, Evergen and Solar Analytics.
Bopha holds a Bachelor of Economics from the University of New South Wales, Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment from the Financial Services Institute of Australasia and is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Michael Cummings
BEng (Hons), Fellow AICD, Chartered Member EngNZ
Michael Cummings is Co-Head of Infrastructure at Dexus, responsible for leading the asset management and co-mingled funds.
Michael has an extensive background in infrastructure spanning more than 30 years, with previous senior roles at AMP Capital, Brookfield Infrastructure and Vector NZ.
He is a Director of Australian Pacific Airports Corporation (Melbourne Airport), Endeavour Energy, Opal Healthcare, Powerco NZ and Board Chair at Evergen. Michael is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and a Chartered Member of Engineering New Zealand.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Edinburgh, and graduated from the Strategic Leadership Programme at Millbrook, New Zealand.
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Philip Cory-Wright
BCA, LLB (Hons)
Phillip is a professional Company Director and Business Advisor. He is Chair of Papa Rererangi i Puketapu/New Plymouth Airport. He is also a Director of Matariki Forests, NZ Wind Farms, New Zealand Local Government Funding Agency - Te Pūtea Kāwanatanga ā-rohe and South Port NZ - Te Pūkorokoro o Murihiku.
Previously, Philip was a Solicitor at Bell Gully and a Corporate Advisor with Southpac and Macquarie Bank. He has advised QIC, Auckland Airport, Restaurant Brands and Higgins Family. He specialises in long-life essential assets and advised Powerco on most of its transactions as it moved from being a New Plymouth power company to being the second largest gas and electricity distribution network company in New Zealand.
He is a High Court Solicitor in New Zealand and Victoria and a Chartered Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Directors.
Philip was appointed to the Powerco Board in October 2019.
Michael Bessell
BEc, LLB (Hons), GradDipAppFin, GAICD
Alternate Director for Bopha Ly
Michael Bessell is Co-Head of Infrastructure at Dexus, where he is responsible for jointly overseeing the $10.5 billion infrastructure funds management business, with a particular focus on origination, separately managed accounts and the PPP portfolio.
Michael has over 30 years of experience in investment management and investment banking, with a focus in acquisitions, fund raising and developing infrastructure projects as a sponsor or principal across all infrastructure subsectors. Prior to his tenure at Dexus, Michael held the same role at AMP Capital, and prior to that held roles at NM Rothschild & Sons and Schroders.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Economics from the Australian National University, a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment from the Financial Services Institute of Australasia and is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Sue Jiang
BCom, MPAcc, GAICD
Alternate Director for Michael Cummings
Sue Jiang is an Investment Director with the Dexus Infrastructure team, responsible for origination of new investment opportunities and asset management of the existing investments within the energy and utilities sector, including Macarthur Wind Farm and Powerco.
Sue has 13 years of investment management experience, having worked in Sydney and London and was involved in the origination of a number of significant transactions across electricity distribution, renewable energy, rolling stock leasing, public private partnerships and aged care investment.
Sue is a Director of Macarthur Wind Farm and Alternate Director of Powerco.
Sue holds a Master of Professional Accounting degree and a Bachelor of Commerce degree and completed Part I of Actuary qualification from the University of New South Wales, Australia and Part II of Actuary qualification from the Macquarie University. She is also a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Matt David
Alternate Director for Sam Pearce
Matt is a Senior Principal in QIC’s Global Infrastructure team, where his role covers investment and asset management activities across government, social and transport sub-sectors. QIC’s Global Infrastructure team manages over $30 billion in infrastructure assets.
Matt has over 18 years’ experience within the infrastructure sector across both finance and civil engineering roles. Prior to joining QIC, Matt was an Associate Director with Capella Capital focusing on origination, financial advisory and delivery of social, Public Private Partnerships and other concession-based assets. During this time, he worked across a range of infrastructure transactions including rail, ports, logistics, convention centres, and social and affordable housing.
Matt is on the board of the Port of Brisbane, Titles Queensland and North Brisbane Infrastructure. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) and Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Queensland.
Matt was appointed to the Powerco Board in 2023 and is currently the Alternate Director for Sam Pearce.
David Kenny
LLB (Hons), BCom, MBA
Senior Principal
David joined QIC in April 2023 and is a senior member of the Portfolio Management Group, with a focus on managing the portfolio’s of QIC’s large institutional clients, as well as asset management and governance activities in the airport and utilities sectors. David has extensive experience as an investment professional and as a director, having served on the boards of Heathrow Airport Holdings, Melbourne Airport, YDA Dalaman Airport and Port Hedland International Airport.
Prior to joining QIC, David was employed at Ferrovial Airports where he was responsible for corporate development and strategy, as well as management of Ferrovial’s investment in London’s Heathrow Airport. David’s experience in Australia includes senior roles at AMP Capital where he managed the company’s Australian airport portfolio, and at Macquarie Group where he was Chief Investment Officer of the airport investment fund known as MAp Airports.
David holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne, an MBA from Tulane University and Universidad de Chile, and a Masters of Airport Management from ITAERA Aeronautical Business School in Madrid, Spain.
Executive Team
The needs of our communities are at the centre of the thinking of our Executive Team. Driving our strategic direction, they help lead our business into the future.
James Kilty
Chief Executive
James is our Chief Executive. He’s responsible for leading our team to deliver customer, financial and operational targets.
James joined Powerco in 2021, bringing over 20 years’ experience in the energy industry to our team. Having redefined the company’s purpose - to connect communities, James is leading Powerco to create a sustainable energy future for Aotearoa New Zealand. With a strong customer focus, James is committed to enabling a transition that is secure, affordable and environmentally conscious, to allow our economy and communities to thrive.
Prior to Powerco, James was Deputy Chief Executive at Contact Energy. In addition to his Deputy CEO responsibilities, James’ role included specific responsibility for development and demand growth, helping to drive the decarbonisation of New Zealand’s economy. James was a Director of Simply Energy, a commercial and industrial decarbonisation services business, and the Chair of Western Energy Services, an innovative geothermal resource and well services business. James was Chief Generation and Development Officer from October 2014 and was responsible for commercial end-to-end activities of development, fuel, generation and trading. Prior to that James held leadership roles across the full range of Contact Energy’s business activities.
“Connecting communities is at the heart of what we do and we’re proud to play a leading in role in New Zealand’s future. Powerco has deep industry and infrastructure expertise and through customer focus, innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence, we’re working to empower change and enable a sustainable energy transition".
Chris Taylor
Chief Financial Officer
BCom, MBA, CA
Chris is our Chief Financial Officer, leading the teams responsible for Strategy, Business Development and our accounting and treasury activities.
Chris joined Powerco in 2016. He has more than 20 years’ experience in the energy sector and professional services. Prior to joining Powerco he managed the finance function at Counties Power and was a Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers advising on a range of sector issues.
He’s a member of the Institute of Directors and Governance NZ.
“Providing stewardship over Powerco’s financial affairs is both challenging and rewarding. We have a fantastic, dedicated team, committed to making sure that the business is ably supported in its decision making, is financially robust and runs efficiently.”
Don Elers
General Manager Gas
Don leads the Gas Team, ensuring the planning and operations of our Gas networks are aligned to deliver the energy mix that customers want today and in the future.
With a trade background, starting as an engineering cadet in the gas industry 30 years ago, Don has hands on experience in construction and maintenance, project management and contract management.
He has held senior service delivery and operational roles in the gas sector within New Zealand and is experienced in asset strategy and planning, management of safety and operational risk.
Don joined Powerco in 2010 as the Gas Service Delivery Manager and has successfully led a transformation of an asset-centric delivery model to a customer-focused operations model.
"The challenge for New Zealand to move to a more sustainable energy future is significant. With that challenge comes opportunity, and our Gas business is well placed to provide leadership and solutions to transition to a net zero carbon energy mix in New Zealand. It’s more than opportunity – it’s our responsibility. We service New Zealand communities, these are our whānau, so we have a responsibility to ensure the pathway to a sustainable energy future is an affordable one".
Emma Bennett
General Manager Business Transformation
BA, BSc (Hons), MBA, MInstD
Emma leads the team responsible for improving performance in every aspect of what we do. From leadership and culture to business architecture and information technology, our Business Transformation team is squarely focused on enabling Powerco to be better, faster, and deliver the right value for our customers.
Emma has experience across energy, manufacturing, pharmaceutical and education sectors. She joined Powerco in 2019.
“I’m wired to make a difference at scale, which is why I love working for a company that holds people at the centre of our ways of working.”
Jemma Gerring
General Manager Corporate Services and Company Secretary
LLB (Hons), BA
Jemma heads up the Corporate Services team, responsible for key areas of governance and risk management, including health and safety, sustainability, legal and risk.
Jemma joined Powerco in 2009 and has been General Counsel since 2016. Prior to joining Powerco, she worked as a commercial lawyer in private practice.
A major focus for Jemma is on encouraging innovation and efficiency, making things easier for the business.
"I am proud to work for a company that cares about not just what we deliver, but how we deliver it. Our team is committed to ensuring we keep people safe, meet the evolving needs of our customers and demonstrate care for our environment."
Karen Frew
General Manager Electricity
BEng (Hons), CPEng, Dip FM Mgt
Karen’s team manages our electricity network, responsible for planning, designing, constructing, maintaining and operating our network 24/7. The team utilise the best information and engineering advice from within the electricity group for investment decisions and operations.
Karen has an electrical engineering degree and a diploma in management. She’s a chartered engineer with 25 years’ experience in electricity generation, distribution and large industrial sectors in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
She has held leadership roles in Powerco across engineering, asset management, strategy, system project delivery, regulation, and service delivery and operations.
She was the winner of the NZ Energy Awards Young Executive of the Year in 2013. She joined Powerco in 2002.
“Our team ensures our customers have electricity to thrive in their communities. This includes planning for delivery of regional electricity demands now and in the future, building new assets, replacing old or managing the 24/7 operation of our network. I get really excited about the work we do in partnership with our community stakeholders and service providers to provide the best experience we can for our customers.”
Ryno Verster
General Manager Business Strategy
BEng, Meng, MBA
Ryno and his team are part of Powerco’s 'strategy collective', responsible for informing, coordinating and updating our enterprise-wide strategy. This lies at the heart of the long-term sustainability of our core business as well as pursuing prudent, adjacent growth opportunities.
The team is also responsible for developing the electricity network architecture and long-term strategy, working closely with the rest of the electricity business. This includes working on the transformation of the network, responding to the need for decarbonisation and new energy options and opportunities.
An important part of Ryno’s role is to provide independent technical oversight of our investment and engineering decisions, with direct accountability to our Chief Executive and board, and to support the coordination and prioritisation of investment across the business.
Ryno was an executive at Vector prior to joining Powerco in 2015. He also has extensive international experience in engineering and management consulting — advising on energy regulation, asset management, asset valuation, due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, engineering design and project management. He's helping to shape the future of the energy sector as a member of the Electricity Networks Association’s Smart Technology Working Group and chairing its Quality of Service Working Group.
“The electricity distribution sector faces a period of major challenges, but also huge opportunities. This is an amazing time to be working in the energy supply sector and to contribute to what is an ever more essential part of our society’s wellbeing and sustainability.”
Stuart Dickson
General Manager Customer
BEng
Stuart’s team keep our customers at the heart of what we do.
Stuart worked in the energy industry for the past 30 years here and in the United Kingdom. He has experience in engineering, asset strategy and management, network and plant operations, project delivery, sales and marketing.
Stuart joined Powerco in 2012 as the General Manager of Gas and moved to his current role in 2020.
“Electricity and gas are incredibly important to our customers and the economy, and I am committed to Powerco delivering the best outcome for our customers.”