South Australian electricity transmission company, ElectraNet, has announced that its new Chief Executive will be Steve Masters, who is presently Group Executive – Corporate Development at Beach Energy Ltd.
Mr. Masters will take over later in 2014 from Ian Stirling, who is retiring after 15 years at ElectraNet, including 12 years as CEO.
ElectraNet Chairman, Gordon Jardine, said that the ElectraNet Board and the company’s owners were very pleased to have engaged such a capable and talented local executive, following an extensive recruitment process.
‘We are confident that Steve will provide ElectraNet with the skills, experience, energy and enthusiasm to meet the challenges of the changing landscape for electricity supply in the years ahead,’ said Mr. Jardine.
‘ElectraNet’s high voltage electricity grid is the backbone of electricity supply in South Australia, and we are very focused on delivering a very reliable, cost-effective and adaptive electricity transmission network to underpin South Australia’s economy.’
Mr. Masters is a resources industry executive with over 20 years of experience, including a solid background in Australian energy markets. He has held a number of executive roles at Beach Energy, including Chief Commercial Officer, and his accountabilities have included leading the company’s commercial, marketing, corporate development and investor relations functions. He previously held senior commercial positions at Woodside Petroleum Ltd.
Mr. Masters said that he was looking forward to working with the Board, and the very capable team at ElectraNet.
‘I am already impressed with ElectraNet’s corporate values, and track record of high reliability and its focus on being efficient and effective,’ said Mr. Masters. ‘My aim will be to build on those strengths and capabilities in the coming years, as the grid evolves to harness new technologies.’
Chairman Gordon Jardine praised the long term contribution of retiring Chief Executive, Ian Stirling.
‘During Ian’s 12 year term as CEO, ElectraNet has delivered more than $1 billion of grid upgrades and has connected 12 windfarms to the South Australian grid,’ said Mr. Jardine ‘along the way winning an engineering excellence award for its work.’
‘The Board and owners have been very pleased with Ian’s outstanding contribution over a long period, and we will celebrate his achievements later in the year.’
Steve Masters will commence as CEO of ElectraNet later in 2014.
