Electra Appoints New Chief Executive

Electra Appoints New Chief Executive

The Board of Electra Limited are delighted to announce the appointment of Neil Simmonds as its next Chief Executive.

Neil Simmonds has been appointed Chief Executive of Electra Limited, which operates as an electricity owner and operator in the Kapiti Horowhenua region.

Until recently Mr Simmonds had spent thirteen years as Chief Executive of Counties Power; a company that, under his leadership, developed a reputation for delivering an innovative, reliable and cost-effective electricity network. Over the same time he also held senior positions in a number of industry associations and working groups, many of them focused on smart network technology.

Mr Simmonds’ appointment follows an extensive recruitment process that saw more than 40 local and international candidates apply for the role. “The calibre of the people attracted to our business was exciting,” says Electra Chair, Trish McKelvey. “It’s a true testament to Neil that he was selected ahead of some very strong CEOs and senior managers to lead our organisation, and we are looking forward to working with him.”

A qualified Engineer and Fellow of IPENZ, with an MBA from Europe’s leading business school (IMD in Switzerland), Ms McKelvey says Mr Simmonds has a well rounded resume that made him ideal for the role. “We believe Neil has an excellent balance of technical and strategic business skills and experience that will serve both our organisation and the region exceptionally well over the coming years.”

Ms McKelvey says an added bonus was that Counties Power, like Electra, is a customer owned lines company. “This means that Neil has an excellent understanding of the unique responsibilities that come with operating within a Consumer Trust structure,” she explains.

Mr Simmonds will replace current Chief Executive John Yeoman when he leaves the organisation on 30 May. Mr Yeoman announced his retirement in March after 11 years at the helm of the Electra Group.

“We are extremely grateful to John for his leadership over the last decade,” said Ms McKelvey.

“John’s financial stewardship and commercial management skills have been critical in guiding the business through many changes and challenges over that time. John has ensured the company has continued to deliver profit growth and increased returns to the Group’s owners – the company’s electricity consumers.”

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