Hydro Tasmania Chair, Richard Bolt, has announced that CEO Ian Brooksbank will step down from his role effective 3 October 2024.
Hydro Tasmania said that the announcement will pave the way for a new CEO at one of Australia’s leading renewable energy businesses, to drive major new generation and storage infrastructure that will keep power reliable and grow the Tasmanian industry.
Mr Brooksbank advised the Board that the time was right for the next stage of his life, moving into semi-retirement to spend more time with family.
Mr Bolt paid tribute to Mr Brooksbank’s achievements during his three years at the helm.
“Ian is respected and admired across the company and the energy industry. He is a skilled and compassionate leader, with a sharp business mind and deep knowledge about a sector which is undergoing a major transition,” Mr Bolt said.
“In his time as CEO, he has set a clear strategic path for the business, driving proposals for major new generation and storage projects, delivering strong financial results and championing a significant shift in culture.
“He has been particularly adamant about the importance of safety, and it’s no coincidence that under his leadership we achieved the lowest ever rate of injuries.”
Mr Brooksbank has worked in the energy industry for decades, including executive roles at Blue NRG and AGL, where he managed the Bayswater and Liddell Power Stations.
He started at Hydro Tasmania as Chief Financial Officer in 2019, acted in the CEO role from August 2021 and was appointed CEO in July 2022.
“I feel incredibly privileged to work with the team at Hydro Tasmania and proud of our record over these past few years,” Mr Brooksbank said.
“We’ve positioned the business to be at the forefront of the national transition to renewables, which has the potential to deliver enormous benefits to Tasmania and to Australia.
“The path ahead is very exciting, but it’s time for another leader to take the reins and drive what is an ambitious agenda. And it’s time for me to slow down and spend more time with my partner and my family. Communication technology is great these days, but it’s not the same.”
A recruitment process for the new Hydro Tasmania CEO will commence in the coming weeks.
Featured image: Outgoing Hydro Tasmania CEO, Ian Brooksbank. Courtesy of Hydro Tasmania.