The Commissioners and staff of the AEMC express sincere condolences on the passing of Matt Zema, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).

Chairman John Pierce said the Commission’s sympathies were with Matt’s wife Teresa, their son Demetrio, their family, friends and all AEMO staff.

“Matt had a long and impressive career in the energy industry over 30 years. He was deeply committed to development of the nation’s gas and electricity markets in the public interest,” Mr Pierce said.

“He was at the helm of the market operator’s establishment in 2009, achieving the remarkable integration of six separate founding entities from states and territories - winning widespread respect in the process.

“Under his stewardship AEMO drew together the functions of those separate regional operators, forging a united organisation to manage the National Electricity Market and retail and wholesale gas markets; to execute national transmission planning and to oversee system security.

“He will be sadly missed by colleagues in industry and in government.

A tribute to Matt Zema can be found here on AEMO’s website.