Italiano leaves Western Power

Paul Italiano is leaving his post as chief executive of Western Power to pursue the same role at TransGrid in New South Wales.

TransGrid, which is 15 per cent owned by ASX-listed Spark Infrastructure, is transitioning from a state-owned corporation to private ownership.

“Mr Italiano is a transformational leader who has turned around the performance and service standards, safety culture, operating framework and financial results of Western Power during his four-year tenure as CEO,” Spark said in a statement.

“He is exceptionally well placed to lead the new TransGrid.

“The focus now is on positioning and preparing the business to deliver on TransGrid’s new business plan to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity transmission and related services that are highly valued by customers, in an increasingly challenging and competitive market.”

Mr Italiano will take up his new position mid-year, replacing Peter McIntyre, who has led the organisation since 2010.

Ian Stirling, who was previously chief executive at South Australian electricity transmission business ElectraNet, will act as interim CEO at TransGrid until Mr Italiano takes the helm.

TransGrid chairman Rick Francis said he was looking forward to working with Mr Italiano to take TransGrid to its next level of development.

“His dynamic leadership style, commercial acumen and proven ability to transform a business in the face of significant challenges make him an excellent choice for the role,” he said.