The Transgrid Board today announced Paul Italiano will step down as CEO on July 31 after more than five years in the role.
26 July 2021
Transgrid Chair Jerry Maycock, thanked Paul for his leadership during a transformative time for the business.
“The Board is grateful for the contribution Paul has made to Transgrid and more broadly to Australia’s energy system.
“During his tenure Paul transitioned the business from public to private ownership at a time of unprecedented external change.
“We thank Paul for his vision and leadership as CEO and the Board wishes him well in the next phase of his already successful career,” Mr Maycock said.
Over the last five years, Paul oversaw the creation and growth of Transgrid’s commercial arm – the recently rebranded – Lumea.
He also played central role in driving Australia’s transition to a more robust and sustainable National Electricity Market (NEM) and oversaw Transgrid’s investment and delivery of interconnector upgrades between NSW and Queensland, NSW and Victoria and the Powering Sydney’s Future project to better deliver Sydney’s electricity needs.
In May this year, Paul played an instrumental role in securing regulatory approval and Transgrid’s investment in EnergyConnect, the new interconnector between NSW and South Australia, which is one of the largest transmission projects to be planned in the NEM for a generation and which will deliver substantial benefit to NSW consumers.
The business also progressed planning for Humelink in southern NSW connecting Snowy 2.0 to the network and Australia’s first coordinated renewable energy zone in the Central West Orana region of NSW.
Paul has been the driving force of Transgrid’s innovation program which has included the first large-scale grid battery, currently under construction at a Transgrid substation in western Sydney.
Under Paul’s leadership Transgrid embarked on its Reconciliation journey and is currently implementing its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan. He committed the business to building relationships and providing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Paul Italiano says it has been an honour to be the CEO of Transgrid since its privatisation in 2016 and praised employees.
“Transgrid is filled with incredibly talented people, who are highly dedicated and committed to ensuring the vital role transmission plays in Australia’s electricity system is delivered with excellence,” Mr Italiano said.
Transgrid’s Executive General Manager, Brian Salter, has been appointed Acting CEO while a global search is undertaken for a new CEO.
About Transgrid
Transgrid operates and manages the high voltage electricity transmission network in NSW and the ACT connecting generators, distributors and major end users. Our network is the backbone of the National Energy Market, enabling energy trading between Australia’s three largest states along the east coast and supporting the competitive wholesale electricity market. This allows energy consumers to gain access to the lowest cost generation available.
We strive to create value for our customers and the broader community by providing affordable, safe and reliable transmission services. Through efficient maintenance, proficient operation of assets and prudent investment in our network, we keep more than three million homes and businesses connected to electricity 24/7.
We also offer a range of infrastructure and telecommunication services through Lumea, the commercial arm of Transgrid, to meet the growing needs of our customers.
Media enquiries:
Kate Davies 0438 437 466
kate.davies@transgrid.com.au