Minister announces two SOE board appointments

State Owned Enterprises Minister Simon Power today announced two appointments to the boards of Transpower and Solid Energy.

Mark Verbiest has been appointed a director of Transpower, taking effect from 1 August 2010 to 30 April 2013.

"Mr Verbiest brings strong legal and regulatory skills aligned with significant governance experience to the board,” Mr Power said.

“I look forward to the contribution he will make to Transpower as it continues its major investment programme over the coming years."

Mr Power also announced the appointment of current Solid Energy director John Fletcher as deputy chair of Solid Energy.

Mr Fletcher has served on the board of Solid Energy since May 2007 and replaces John Spencer as deputy chair.

Mr Spencer has retired to take up the post of chair of New Zealand Railways Corporation.

Background

Mark Verbiest is a Wellington-based lawyer and company director. He has 18 years’ experience in private legal practice, and was a partner at Simpson Grierson from 1999 to 2000 specialising in corporate, competition, energy, and securities law. From 2000 to 2008, he was Group General Counsel for Telecom. He holds a number of current directorships including Freightways Ltd, Southern Cross Medical Care Society, and the Government Superannuation Fund Authority, and is a member of the Securities Commission. His previous directorships include chair of Southern Cross Cable Ltd, EDS New Zealand Ltd, and the Gas Industry Company Ltd.

From 1 August 2010, the composition of the Transpower board will be: Wayne Brown (chair), Ian Donald (deputy chair), Don Brash, Abby Foote, Ian Fraser, John Irving, Mike Pohio, Elena Trout and Mark Verbiest.

ENDS

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