FREEMAN MEDIA - Key Persons
Brigitte brings extensive experience in digital and information technology in the energy sector, both here in New Zealand and Australia. This includes executive and senior leadership roles at Northpower, Powerco and Methanex. Prior to this, she enjoyed a successful technology sales and professional services career based in London and working globally.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Ara Ake 's Energy Innovation Manager
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Executive General Manager of Operations
- Transpower in 2022 As General Manager, Strategy and Customer
Chantelle joined Transpower in 2022 as General Manager, Strategy and Customer. She came from Essential Energy, the distribution network owner and operator for regional and rural New South Wales, Australia, where she held the role of Executive General Manager, Corporate Affairs. An economist by training, Chantelle has almost 20 years' experience in the international energy and electricity sectors. She was the Executive General Manager, Strategy and Economic Analysis at the Australian Energy Market Commission and also worked in senior strategy roles at Direct Energy, one of North America's largest vertically integrated energy retailers.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Sustainability and Strategy Analyst / Mercury
Esther Tomkinson is a Sustainability and Strategy Analyst with a deep passion for the energy sector. She is currently serving as the Co-Chair of the Young Energy Professionals Network (YEPN). Esther is committed to educating people and increasing the diversity of the future workforce in the energy sector. After ending up in the energy sector by chance, her ambition is to increase the number of school and university leavers in the ever-evolving sector, in an effort to ensure the long-term health of energy in Aotearoa. Esther is committed to the of growth of YEPN and the opportunities they can provide young professionals.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- CEO / Electra
- Network Waitaki 's Chief Executive
Geoff was appointed as Network Waitaki's Chief Executive in April 2019. Prior to joining Network Waitaki, Geoff held senior management roles at Counties Power and Wellington Electricity, with responsibility for network management and operations. Previous experience includes commercial, engineering and project management roles within the electricity distribution sector.
He has a degree in Electrical Engineering, a Graduate Diploma in Business, has completed the Advanced Management Programme at the Melbourne Business School and is a Member of the Institute of Directors and the Institute of Engineering and Technology (UK). Geoff is currently the vice president of the Electricity Engineers Association.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Chief Executive of Wellington Electricity
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- General Manager at Freeman
Irwin is the General Manager at Freeman, which sees him take responsibility for the commercial side of the energy sector products of Freeman, including all events, surveys, stakeholder management and business development.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- General Manager of Strategy at Contact Energy
James is the General Manager of Strategy at Contact Energy. James has worked at Contact Energy for over 20 years and prior to his current role, he has held a number of senior electricity trading, risk management and gas trading roles.
James has high-level governance and advisory experience from sitting on many national electricity market working groups. Most recently, James was a member of the Electricity Authority's Market Development Advisory Group (MDAG) which focuses on evolving the ‘machinery' of the electricity markets. One special MDAG project looked at how the wholesale electricity market might operate (including how prices would be discovered) under a 100 percent renewable electricity supply.
In 2022, James was elected as Director of Simply Energy, a subsidy of Contact that takes care of the day-to-day energy supply for many of New Zealand's largest businesses and enterprises. Simply also works with numerous other energy industry partners and is also responsible for the design and set-up of innovative energy solutions.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Chief Executive
- General Manager of Partnerships, Communication and Māori
As Chief Executive, Janet leads policy and advocacy for GasNZ. GasNZ's ambition is that renewable gases are a material part of the energy mix by 2030. Janet is working to ensure that renewable gas is at the forefront of consumer and Government's minds as Aotearoa transitions to net zero carbon. She has worked for companies with a range of energy interests, including oil and gas, geothermal and solar. With a background in public relations, external affairs, and governance roles, she has also served on the board of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) and is a Global Ambassador for Women in LPG. Janet holds a Bachelor of Laws from Waikato University.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- External Relations Manager
- Gas Industry Co
John Pagani has been in the energy sector since 2012. He is currently working with Gas Industry Company on the Gas Transition Plan, renewable gases, and strategic engagement. John was previously General Manager Corporate Services at New Zealand Oil & Gas and has worked with boards and management of energy firms and industry associations in New Zealand and Australia. In his previous career he produced some of New Zealand's most listened to radio news programmes, worked in Wellington and Paris as a communications and sustainability consultant, and served as chief of staff, senior strategist and communications director at parliament. He has degrees in politics from Auckland, law from Victoria, and an executive education qualification from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Policy and Innovation Manager at Electricity Networks Aotearoa
- Senior Advisor - Policy & Innovation
Richard Le Gros is the Policy and Innovation Manager at Electricity Networks Aotearoa, the industry body for the electricity distribution businesses in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Richard joined ENA in 2016, following a long period living abroad in London. During his time in London, Richard work for the UK Energy Networks Association and was involved in a diverse range of projects, including the design of the UK's smart meter roll-out programme and the establishment of the Offshore Transmission Operator (OFTO) regime. Prior to joining the UK ENA, Richard worked for EDF Energy Networks.
Richard has a bachelor's degree in science from the University of Auckland and a postgraduate certificate in public policy from Victoria University of Wellington.
As a dynamic young energy professional, Sophie brings a fresh perspective and a diverse skill set. Driven to be a thought leader and influencer in the energy space, her commitment to driving positive change is reflected in her collaborative problem-solving approach, advocacy for diverse voices, and her role as a board member for Young Energy Professionals Network.
These experiences have provided Sophie with valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the energy sector. Leveraging her expertise in innovation and systems thinking, she offers a unique perspective that enhances her ability to provide innovative insights.
Having graduated from Auckland University with a master's in science, and a background spanning intersecting industries outside of energy, Sophie brings a broad perspective. Passionate about inspiring the younger generation to join the energy industry, she is dedicated to showcasing its immense potential and rewarding nature.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Consulting Director With International Economics Consulting Firm Sapere Research Group
- Sapere Research Group
Toby is a Consulting Director with international economics consulting firm Sapere Research Group. His expert area is electricity trading and risk management and he established himself as an independent energy consultant in 2004.
Toby was the General Manager Electricity Trading at Contact Energy from its inception in 1996 to 2003 and has held a number of industry governance positions including Chairman of the New Zealand Electricity Market (2000 - 2003) and Chairman of the Electricity Commission's Common Quality Advisory Group (2004 - 2009). He was a member of the Technical Advisory Group to the Ministerial Review of the Electricity Market in 2009.