Azure Capital co-founder Mark Barnaba has today been unveiled as Western Power's new chairman, taking over from inaugural chairman Peter Mansell.
Azure Capital co-founder Mark Barnaba has today been unveiled as Western Power's new chairman, taking over from inaugural chairman Peter Mansell.
The state government today approved the appointment with Energy Minister Peter Collier acknowledging Mr Barnaba's experience in Western Australia's energy industry.
"This signifies a cultural change within the corporation, with a complete renewal of the Western Power board since the Liberal-National Government took office," Mr Collier said.
"The board will have a strong focus on driving cost savings within the corporation, without compromising the Government's commitment to provide secure, reliable, competitive and cleaner energy.
"It will also help ensure the State responds to the challenges ahead, with an ageing network that needs improvement and on-going pressures of ensuring reliability while also developing infrastructure to cater for increasing demand and additional renewable energy generation."
Mr Collier also thanked Mr Mansell for his contribution as the inaugural chairman of the Western Power board over the past four years. Mr Barnaba will take up his appointment on April 21.
With a strong background in business, Mr Barnaba has extensive knowledge of WA's energy needs, having previously held the position of deputy chairman of the Western Power board.
Mr Barnaba is also the executive chairman of Azure Capital, a company he founded in 2004 with John Poynton, and is currently the chairman of the University of Western Australia's business school.
He was also the inaugural chairman of Alinta Infrastructure Holdings and director of the American Australian Association Limited and Securities Institute Resource Council of Australia. He is the current chairman of the West Coast Eagles.
"With Mr Barnaba's business acumen and knowledge of WA's energy needs, I am confident he will lead organisational change within Western Power, as it becomes an efficient and modern corporation," Mr Collier said.
Investment banker Jenny Seabrook was deputy chair at Western Power until July last year when she chose not to seek to renew her directorship, ending eight years on the board.
She was replaced by former Alinta CFO John Cahill who is also on the board of Emeco Holdings.
