Two new independent non-executive directors have been appointed to Origin Energy Limited (Origin)’s Board.
Ilana Atlas will join the board on 19 February 2021 and Joan Withers will commence on 21 October 2020.
Ms Atlas is Chair of Coca-Cola Amatil and Non-executive Director of Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited. She is also Chairman of Jawun Pty Ltd, a Director of Paul Ramsay Foundation and Panel Member of Adara Partners.
Ms Atlas has extensive financial services and legal experience and has held executive and non-executive roles across many sectors. She was Group Executive, People and Group Secretary, and General Counsel at Westpac Banking Corporation, and prior to this was a partner at law firm Mallesons Stephen Jaques (now King & Wood Mallesons), where she also held a number of management roles.
Ms Atlas was a Director of Treasury Corporation of New South Wales, Westfield Group and Suncorp. Ms Atlas holds a Bachelor of Jurisprudence (Honours) and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the University of Western Australia, and a Master of Laws from the University of Sydney.
Ms Withers is the Chair of The Warehouse Group and Non-executive Director of Sky Network and ANZ Bank New Zealand. She is a Trustee of the Sweet Louise Foundation.
Ms Withers has been a director for more than 20 years, and had an executive career spanning 25 years in the media industry, including roles as Chief Executive Officer of The Radio Network and Fairfax Media.
Ms Withers was formerly Chairman of Mercury Energy and prior to that a Non-executive Director of Meridian Energy. Ms Withers holds a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Auckland.
Origin Chairman, Gordon Cairns, said, “We are delighted to welcome Ms Withers and Ms Atlas to the Origin Board.
“Together, they bring to the board extensive experience in highly customer-centric and disrupted industries and deep expertise in transformation, risk and governance, and culture.
“The diverse background and skills of Joan and IIana will further strengthen the Origin Board and complement the expertise of the existing directors in oversight of the company.”
The board renewal process was led by Mr Cairns and Chairman-elect, Scott Perkins. Ms Withers and Ms Atlas will stand for election at Origin’s Annual General Meeting in 2021.
