Alcoa exec Shirley In't Veld to head Verve Energy

The State Government has approved the appointment of corporate executive Shirley In't Veld as the new chief executive officer of Verve Energy, the State's biggest electricity generator.

Ms In't Veld will take up her position on April 30.

She is believed to be only the second woman to head a State-owned electricity company anywhere in Australia. Queensland's Tarong Energy appointed Ms Helen Gluer as its chief executive officer earlier this year.

Energy Minister Francis Logan said Ms In't Veld had the qualifications and experience to lead Verve Energy through the challenging times facing the company in the developing competitive electricity market.

"One of the great aspects of the WA Government's electricity reforms has been the creation of energy companies with very specific focus," Mr Logan said.

"Verve Energy's focus is on the generation of electricity - and they have done this despite the significant challenges over the last year.

"I am confident Ms In't Veld has the ability to lead Verve Energy through these challenges and allow the company to emerge as a vital and competitive organisation."

For the past 10 years, Ms In't Veld has held senior positions with Alcoa. She has also worked with WMC Resources, Bankwest and the legal firm Mallesons.

A Melbourne University law and commerce graduate, Ms In't Veld lives in Perth.

Verve Energy chairman Peter West said in making its decision the board had been impressed with Ms In't Veld's experience, enthusiasm and vision for the company.

"I am looking forward to working with Ms In't Veld to ensure that Verve Energy is a innovative and efficient generation business," Mr West said.

Ms In't Veld replaces Verve Energy's inaugural chief executive officer John Lillywhite, who left the company in December last year.