The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive, and a number of key appointments to its Reliability Panel.
Following an extensive recruitment process, Geoffrey Rutledge will step in as the AEMC’s new Chief Executive, while Commissioner Rainer Korte has been welcomed as the new Chair of the AEMC Reliability Panel – taking over from Commissioner Tim Jordan, who served as Chair from June 2024 and Acting Chair from February 2023.
Under the National Electricity Rules, the AEMC must appoint one of its Commissioners as Panel chairperson for up to three years, with the option to also appoint an Acting Chair.
The AEMC welcomed the panel’s new members and extended its gratitude to outgoing Panel Chair, Commissioner Tim Jordan, and outgoing DNSP representative, Peter Price, for their “outstanding contributions during their respective tenures”.
Commissioner Sally McMahon has been appointed as Acting Chair, taking over from Mr Korte. Joel Gilmore has also been reappointed as the discretionary member representing large renewable generators, and Mark Vincent has joined the Reliability Panel as the newly appointed member representing distribution network service providers (DNSPs)
As the new AEMC Chief Executive, Mr Rutledge brings more than 20 years of experience in the ACT public sector to the role, having held leadership positions across energy, environment, and climate change policy, as well as in the ACT Chief Minister’s office.
For the past eight years, Mr Rutledge has served as Deputy Director-General leading the Environment, Water and Emissions Reduction portfolios in the ACT Government. His extensive experience spans complex policy development, program and service delivery, and major capital works procurement and delivery.
Mr Rutledge holds a Master of Public Policy, an Executive Master of Public Administration, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership.
“I am honoured to be appointed as Chief Executive of the AEMC and excited about the opportunity to further contribute to Australia’s energy transition,” Mr Rutledge said.
“The energy sector is at a critical juncture, and I look forward to working with the talented team at the AEMC to ensure our energy markets continue to deliver secure, reliable and affordable energy for all Australians while supporting the transition to net-zero emissions.”
AEMC Chair, Anna Collyer, welcomed the appointment.
“Geoffrey’s extensive experience leading policy development and his deep understanding of the energy and climate change sectors make him ideally suited to lead the AEMC during this transformative period for Australia’s energy markets,” she said.
“His proven track record in leading high-performing teams and delivering complex policy outcomes will be invaluable as we continue our important work in designing energy market arrangements that serve the long-term interests of consumers.”
Mr Rutledge will commence the role on 11 August 2025.
The AEMC also acknowledged the contribution of Andrew Lewis, who has served as Acting Chief Executive over recent months, providing strong leadership during a period of significant strategic work and successfully delivering the organisation’s priorities.
