Statement on Australian Energy Council Chief Executive

The Australian Energy Council has announced that Sarah McNamara will step down as Chief Executive at the end of April after nearly six years at the helm of the peak body for generators and retailers.

The Council’s Chair, Damien Nicks, said Ms McNamara was leaving to take up an executive role with Alinta Energy.

Ben Barnes, the AEC’s General Manager Corporate Affairs, will take on the role of interim Chief Executive while an executive search is undertaken.

Mr Nicks said “We are sorry to lose someone of Sarah’s calibre. She has been a strong leader and a passionate and effective advocate for our members, the industry, and customers, with a strong focus on sound public policy reform to support the energy transition.

“On behalf of the Board and the AEC’s members I’d like to thank Sarah for her significant contributions to the energy sector during a period of challenge and constant change. We wish her all the best in her new role," Mr Nicks said.

Sarah joined AEC in January 2016 as GM Corporate Affairs and was appointed Chief Executive in July 2018. She brought extensive experience in government relations, corporate affairs and the energy sector to the role.

About the Australian Energy Council

The Australian Energy Council is the peak industry body for electricity and downstream natural gas businesses operating in the competitive wholesale and retail energy markets. AEC members generate and sell energy to 10 million homes and businesses and are major investors in renewable energy generation. The AEC supports reaching net-zero by 2050 as well as a 55 per cent emissions reduction target by 2035 and is committed to delivering the energy transition for the benefit of consumers.