RenewEconomy Maps 2026 Leadership Shifts in Australia’s Green Energy Sector

Australia’s clean energy sector is undergoing a significant leadership reshuffle in 2026, according to a new report by RenewEconomy. The publication’s latest grid connections update details a wave of executive changes that will shape the industry’s trajectory over the coming year.

Key among these shifts is the departure of Darren Miller, who is set to leave his role as CEO of ARENA next August, marking the end of a major tenure in the federal funding agency.

In a separate high-profile move, Paul McCartney started his term as CEO of the Clean Energy Finance Company (CEFC) on September 21, bringing fresh strategic direction to the government-owned investment arm of the renewable energy sector.

Regulatory and Government Leadership

Beyond the top executive changes at ARENA and CEFC, several other regulatory and government bodies have updated their leadership rosters. Kobad Bhavnagri has joined the board of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, adding a new voice to the federal funding body as it prepares for the upcoming CEO transition. Meanwhile, Tony Chappel has been appointed as both CEO and Chair of the Clean Energy Regulator, a dual role that concentrates operational and governance authority within a single individual. This structure is uncommon in independent statutory bodies, where separation of duties is standard practice, but it may streamline decision-making processes for the agency responsible for administering the renewable energy target and associated market mechanisms.

Other moves span the broader energy regulatory ecosystem. Michelle Stone has taken on the role of head of media at the Australian Energy Market Commission, the independent body that sets the rules for Australia’s electricity and gas markets. Communications leadership at such agencies is critical, as public understanding of complex market reforms often hinges on how technical policy changes are explained to consumers and industry participants. In the public energy space, Donna Rygate is serving as the acting board chair of EnergyCo, the not-for-profit organization that manages the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme. Her appointment provides interim stability for the board while a permanent chair is sought.

Finally, the Snowy Hydro project itself has seen governance changes with the appointment of Sussan Ley and Merry York as directors. These appointments signal continued government oversight of the major hydroelectric infrastructure, which plays a pivotal role in grid balancing and renewable energy integration. For investors and developers, these board-level shifts at key agencies and infrastructure holders indicate a period of institutional recalibration. While individual appointments do not immediately alter market rules, they often precede strategic reviews or policy adjustments that can influence project financing and development timelines in the coming months.

Generator and Developer Executives

The 2026 leadership wave extends deep into generation and development firms, with several major appointments reshaping operational strategy across the sector.

• Michael Briggs has been appointed CEO of Momentum Energy.
• Dr. Vijay Pradhan has taken the CEO role at Ark Energy.
• Gair Landsborough is the new CEO of Western Power.
• Donovan Burton has been appointed director and chairman of Sunshine.
• Stephen Harty will start as CEO of CS Energy on 28 September 2026.
• Peter Gutwein has been appointed chair of West Coast Renewable Energy.
• Vanessa Pinto has joined West Coast Renewable Energy as COO.
• Dr Matthew Bechley has been appointed technical director at West Coast Renewable Energy.

These moves signal a strategic pivot for several key players in the renewable energy value chain. For instance, the simultaneous appointment of a chair, COO, and technical director at West Coast Renewable Energy suggests a focus on strengthening both governance and technical execution capabilities. Such layered leadership structures are often employed by developers to navigate complex project phases, from initial feasibility studies to final grid connection.

At the utility level, new CEOs at Western Power and CS Energy will likely drive changes in how these organizations manage grid integration and customer demand. Utilities in this transition period often face pressure to balance legacy infrastructure with new renewable assets, requiring leaders who understand both operational constraints and market dynamics. The entry of new chairmen, such as at Sunshine and West Coast Renewable Energy, typically brings fresh oversight perspectives that can influence long-term capital allocation and risk management strategies. These personnel changes collectively indicate an industry preparing for significant operational shifts in the coming year.

Grid, Storage, and Consulting Moves

Operational leadership changes at grid operators and system bodies are reshaping how new renewable capacity connects to the network. Elise Ring has joined Energy Queensland as general manager of grid technology, while Chloe Hicks takes the Director, Access Establishment role at VicGrid. Simultaneously, Pouya Jamborsalamati has become manager of Victorian Connections at AEMO. These appointments focus on the technical and administrative processes that determine when and how large-scale projects gain network access. For developers, delays in connection queues often dictate project bankability, so dedicated leadership in these specific functions can accelerate the pathway from approval to energization.

In the storage and flexible grid space, Paul Vickers has been appointed head of operations at OptiGrid, a firm specializing in demand-side response to manage peak loads. Maike Gobel has joined Battery and Mobility as Executive Director, overseeing the integration of stationary and mobile energy assets. Further down the project pipeline, Hana Fittes has been appointed Project Administrator for the Koolunga BESS at GenusPlus Group. These roles highlight the growing complexity of managing diverse energy flows, where coordination between battery systems, grid operators, and local networks is essential for maintaining stability as the share of intermittent generation rises.

Consulting and advisory firms are also updating their senior rosters to support this transition. Peter Benyon has been appointed Power Leader for Australia and New Zealand at GHD, while Heather Bone is joining AECOM as ANZ Industry Lead in October. In the broader energy and renewables sector, Kate Bonner has become National Head at Grant Thornton, and Andrew Tull has taken the regional director APAC role at FairWind. Natalie Collard has joined Energy Consumers Australia as General Manager, Community, and Julie Porter has entered the Fortescue AI Strategy team. These moves suggest a surge in demand for specialized expertise in project delivery, market analysis, and consumer engagement as the sector navigates its structural changes.

What to watch

The next phase of this leadership shift hinges on how new executives operationalize their mandates. Scott Hamilton’s resignation from the Smart Energy Council board leaves a vacancy that may influence the organization’s advocacy direction, while Will Hall and Brent Finlay take over director roles at the Clean Energy Council, potentially reshaping industry standards and policy engagement. At the corporate level, Trevor Lim’s new role as Head of Grid and Markets at Celero Infrastructure places him at the center of network strategy, a critical function as developers seek clarity on connection timelines. Similarly, Heechung Sung’s appointment as chief of strategy and capital management at CEFC suggests a renewed focus on financing mechanisms for large-scale projects, where capital allocation decisions often determine which initiatives move forward.

Grid stability remains a focal point, with Steve Clark departing Stanwell’s Renewable Maintenance division, a move that may trigger internal restructuring or external hiring to maintain operational continuity. Meanwhile, Fergus Murphy’s start as CDO for INDOPAC at AVESS Energy on September 04, 2026, marks a specific date for observing how new digital leadership impacts project execution. In the storage and hub sectors, James Tilbury’s replacement of Piers Grove as chair of EnergyHub offers a chance to monitor changes in marketplace governance and participant rules. For investors, these transitions represent key milestones where strategic direction becomes tangible, requiring close attention to how these leaders navigate regulatory complexities and market volatility in the coming months.