EECA appoints new chief executive

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) has appointed James Hay as its new chief executive.

Currently Hay is overseeing the A$16.8 billion Westconnex motorway scheme under construction in Sydney as Roads and Maritime Services general network manager for motorways.

Previously he was acting chief executive for Meridian Energy, and a director of Marlborough Lines and Cloud M. He also held leadership roles at Christchurch-based civil engineering company Central Plains Water and the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA).

He will take up the role in mid-January. EECA’s current chief executive Mike Underhill is to retire in mid-November after nearly 10 years of service.

“James has an impressive background spanning the energy, transport and public sectors, working with infrastructure and energy businesses, and with community-facing organisations,” says EECA chair Tom Campbell.

Hay originally trained as a lawyer.