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 AMP Capital.
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 is the Managing Director, Energy for AMP Capital’s Infrastructure Equity business. She is responsible for AMP Capital’s energy infrastructure investments, including Endeavour Energy, Macarthur Wind Farm, and Powerco in New Zealand.
Bopha is highly regarded across the energy sector and has almost 24 years’ industry experience. Before joining AMP Capital, she was with AGL Energy where she held several senior roles, most recently as Head of Corporate Development and led much of AGL Energy’s merger and acquisition activity across the energy division. During her 14 years at AGL, Bopha led a number of transactions in energy infrastructure, retail/mass market, home connection services and upstream oil and gas, as well as venture capital investments in smart home and distributed energy resources technology companies.
Bopha holds a Bachelor of Economics from University of New South Wales and a Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance and Investment through the Financial Services Institute of Australasia.
Bopha was appointed to the Powerco Board in November 2021 and she is also the Alternate Director for Michael Cummings.
Michael Cummings
BEng (Hons), Fellow AICD, Chartered Member EngNZ
Michael is Co-Head Infrastructure with AMP Capital and has responsibility for managing the Australian and New Zealand infrastructure funds, and is also responsible for leading the Australian asset management teams.He is a Director of Australian Pacific Airports Corporation (Melbourne and Launceston Airports), Endeavour Energy, Opal Healthcare, and Chair of Evergen.
He is the Chair of the AMP Capital Infrastructure Investment Committee and the Infrastructure Valuation Committee, and is a Director on the board of AMP Capital Investors.
Before joining AMP Capital, Michael held a number of senior Infrastructure roles including with Brookfield Asset Management, Vector NZ and British Gas.
Michael is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Chartered Member of Engineering NZ. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) degree from the University of Edinburgh, and is a graduate of the Strategic Leadership Programme at Millbrook, NZ.
Michael was reappointed to the Powerco Board in 2013, having previously been a Director between 2008-2012 when working for Brookfield (and its predecessor BBI). He chairs the Powerco Regulatory and Asset Management Board Committee, and is a member of the HR Board Committee.
Paul Callow
BSc, IoDNZ
Paul is a professional Director and Consultant and has more than 30 years’ experience in financial, commercial and engineering roles.
Paul spent 13 years as a Partner at Deloitte in the Wellington Corporate Finance Practice and led the company’s Energy Sector Group in New Zealand. Prior to Deloitte, Paul was a Project Director for Asiapower Developments, responsible for electricity generation project origination and development in India, Thailand and other parts of South-East Asia. He has extensive advisory experience in the energy sector, both in New Zealand and internationally.
Paul holds a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Birmingham and is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors.
Paul was appointed to the Powerco Board in September 2016.
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.
Sam Pearce
BSc, LLB, MBA
Sam is a Partner in the QIC asset management team and has around 32 years of industry experience in the energy and utilities sectors, spanning operations, investment management, corporate development and strategy, and transaction execution responsibilities. He has worked in merchant energy, gas distribution, power generation (gas and renewables) and electricity and gas transmission primarily in Australia and New Zealand. Prior to joining QIC, Sam held executive and senior management/corporate development roles at APA Group, Stockland and AGL, and before moving into industry, he was a lawyer at Clayton Utz with transactional, anti-trust and corporate finance experience.
Sam has led multiple cross functional project teams across greenfield energy developments in gas transmission and power generation (renewables and gas), public market M&A, as well as multiple trade sales of assets across the energy value chain. In addition to his transactional experience, he has led large business units across multiple Australian states in gas distribution and power generation, with primary responsibility for commercial, operational and financial performance, customer relationships and growth.
Sam has successfully delivered improvement programmes and change processes in customer centric culture, safety and operational excellence. He has established and managed several energy investment vehicles – bringing in co-investors, acquiring and developing assets, and providing both investment management and operational services to those vehicles. In addition, he has experience as fund manager of a listed infrastructure vehicle and held Board positions across multiple investment vehicles. He has built a reputation for helping businesses develop and grow, fostering deep relationships with co-investors and other key stakeholders.
Sam holds a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Laws from Sydney University, and a Master of Business Administration from Macquarie Graduate School of Management and is a graduate from INSEAD’s Advanced Management Programme.
Sam was appointed to the Powerco Board in May 2020.
Michael Bessell
BEc, LLB (Hons), GradDipAppFin, GAICD
Alternate Director for Bopha Ly
Michael is Co-Head Infrastructure with AMP Capital. In addition to jointly managing the business, he has primary responsibility for leading the teams that cover origination, separately managed accounts and PPP investments.
Michael is also Executive Chairman of AMP Capital Investors Limited, the Australian operating business and a director of a number of AMP Capital’s investments, including Opal Healthcare, Australia’s largest for profit aged care provider, and the holding company of Endeavour Energy, one of Australia’s largest electricity utilities. He is a member of AMP Capital’s Infrastructure Investment Committee.
Before joining AMP Capital in 2006, Michael served as a Director at NM Rothschild & Sons (Australia) Ltd and worked for Schroders in Australia and the United Kingdom.
Michael has more than 28 years of investment banking and investment experience, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions, equity raising and developing infrastructure projects as a sponsor or principal across all infrastructure subsectors. He has worked in Europe and North America and has led teams undertaking investments in Europe, Australasia and North America.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Law (Honours) and a Bachelor of Economics, both from the Australian National University, and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment from the Financial Services Institute of Australasia. He is also a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Michael was appointed to the Powerco Board in April 2015. He is the Alternate Director for Bopha Ly.
Sue Jiang
BCom, MPAcc, GAICD
Alternate Director for Michael Cummings
Lu (Sue) Jiang is an Investment Director in AMP Capital Infrastructure business, 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. She is a director of Macarthur Wind Farm.
Since joining AMP Capital, Suehas 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 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.
Sue was appointed to the Powerco Board in November 2022 and is currently the Alternate Director for Michael Cummings.
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.
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.”