Board
Nigel Barbour
ChairNigel leads the Orion Group which comprises Orion’s central Canterbury electricity distribution business and its wholly owned subsidiary, Connetics. Prior to joining Orion Group, Nigel was Chief Executive of Powerco, New Zealand’s second largest electricity distribution business, based in New Plymouth.
Gillian Blythe
Independent DirectorWith over thirty years of experience in the electricity and water sectors, Gillian brings strong leadership skills, commercial acumen and highly relevant expertise to the Board. Gillian is currently the Chief Executive of Water New Zealand and her career includes senior executive and governance roles in energy, construction, infrastructure, workforce and water. Gillian is ENA's first independent director.
Russell Shaw
Board memberRussell is the chief executive of Top Energy based in Kerikeri in the Far North. As an electrical engineer with over 25 years’ experience in the utility sector, Russell has significant experience in strategy, management, risk and operations with extensive knowledge of asset management, performance improvement and engineering.
Jason Franklin
Board memberJason is chief executive of PowerNet, the distribution network delivering power to Invercargill City, Southland, West Otago, parts of Central Otago and Stewart Island. Previously he has worked for Rio Tinto (both internationally and at the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter) and ECNZ. He has been on the executive committee of the Major Electricity Users Group and the Wholesale Advisory Group for the Electricity Authority.
Sean Horgan
Board memberSean joined Waipa Networks as CEO in July 2022. He has over 20 years’ successful business development, strategic management and operational leadership experience within the energy sectors of Asia, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, and has worked for entities such as The Lines Company, Northpower, Alstom, Meridian Energy and Mighty River Power.
Mark Toner
Board memberVector's chief public policy and regulatory officer, Mark has over 25 years’ experience across a range of sectors including energy, telecommunications, aviation and technology. He has consistently navigated market, regulatory and policy changes across industries in disruption, and is responsible for leading the Group’s regulatory, public policy, decarbonisation and data insights functions.
Jaun Park
Board memberIn 2023, following 16 years of pivotal work to drive Unison Networks forward, Jaun took up the role of Group Chief Executive of the Unison Group. Jaun holds a Bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronic engineering, and a Master’s degree in electrical engineering. Jaun has a strong passion and commitment to the electricity sector and the important role the industry plays in enabling a sustainable energy future.
Karen Frew
Board memberKaren is the General Manager Electricity of Powerco. Karen has an electrical engineering degree and a diploma in management. She has over 25 years’ of experience in electricity generation, distribution and large industrial sectors in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Karen joined Powerco in 2002 and since that time has worked in all areas of the business, joining the Executive Team in 2021.
