Chairman of the Australian Energy Market Commission, Mr John Pierce, has announced the organisation’s Senior Director Market Development, Ms Anne Pearson, will be appointed Chief Executive with effect from Monday 15 February 2016.

Mr Pierce said Anne’s appointment followed a competitive recruitment process which attracted strong interest from applicants both in Australia and internationally.

“Anne’s organisational leadership capabilities and breadth of industry and regulatory experience will serve the AEMC well during this period of accelerating change in energy sector dynamics,” Mr Pierce said.

Since she joined the Commission in 2007 Anne has been a valued member of the Senior Management Team. She has also represented the Commission on the AEMC Reliability Panel which determines the standards and guidelines which help maintain a secure and reliable power system for consumers.

Ms Pearson said the AEMC was well placed to deliver advice and rules that will support the consumer-led transformation of the energy market.

"I am proud to lead the talented and capable group of professionals who make up the AEMC,” she said.

Prior to her appointment to the AEMC Anne was Executive Manager of Retail Regulation at EnergyAustralia with responsibility for the regulatory strategy and compliance approach for the retail business. Her prior appointments include corporate mergers and acquisitions at Freehills; and Deacons where she worked on the introduction of retail competition in the New South Wales retail gas market and corporatisation of the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme.

“On behalf of the other Commissioners, Brian Spalding and Neville Henderson, I would like to congratulate Anne and welcome her to her new role,” Mr Pierce said.

For information contact:

AEMC Chairman, John Pierce (02) 8296 7800

Media: Communication Manager, Prudence Anderson 0404 821 935 or (02) 8296 7817