The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has announced two changes to its executive leadership team, effective from late August 2025.
AEMO Executive General Manager (EGM) System Design, Merryn York, has announced her retirement from executive roles. Over a distinguished 30-year career, Ms York has held numerous senior roles, including eight years as CEO of Powerlink Queensland and two years as a Commissioner with the Australian Energy Market Commission.
During her time at AEMO, Ms York has championed a collaborative approach to delivering AEMO’s forecasting and planning responsibilities, including the development of the Integrated System Plan. She has also overseen AEMO’s planning functions in Victoria and contributed to improvements in the onboarding and connection process across the National Electricity Market.
As a highly experienced leader within the organisation, AEMO interim EGM Western Australia, Nicola Falcon, will step into the EGM System Design role from late August 2025, ensuring a smooth transition for the team and continuity in this critical role.
Ms Falcon has been with AEMO for 11 years, most recently serving as interim EGM Western Australia. She has previously acted as EGM System Design and EGM Reform Delivery, and has deep experience in the area, including roles as Group Manager for Victorian Planning and Connections, leading AEMO’s planning and forecasting functions and the 2018 and 2020 Integrated System Plan.
AEMO also welcomed Kirsten Rose, currently Deputy Chief Executive at CSIRO, who will join AEMO as EGM Western Australia and Strategy.
Ms Rose joined CSIRO in 2020 as Executive Director, Future Industries, where she led a diverse research portfolio before being appointed Deputy Chief Executive in 2024.
Over the past 12 months, Ms Rose has played a key role in shaping CSIRO’s new Strategy and Engagement sector, which focuses on driving strategic direction, strengthening stakeholder connections, and building public trust in science.
Prior to joining CSIRO, Ms Rose held leadership roles as CEO of the Sustainable Energy Association of Australia, Head of Innovation and Sustainable Operations at BHP, and Chair of the Defence Science Centre of Western Australia.
AEMO congratulated Ms Falcon and Ms Rose on their appointments and said it looks forward to the leadership and impact they will bring. AEMO also thanked Ms York for her significant contribution, leadership and dedication to AEMO and the energy sector over her career so far, and wished her the very best for the future.
