Orion ceo resigns

Orion New Zealand chief executive Rob Jamieson has resigned after 26 years with the company, including the last nine as CEO.

“I’m particularly proud of the people across Orion and Connetics as well as our contractor colleagues who have all contributed to the underpinning of our region’s future,” Jamieson says. 

“Having now completed a review of company strategy, it’s the ideal time for me to hand over the reins.”

Orion chair Jane Taylor says Jamieson will leave behind a legacy that provided stability when needed most.

“Rob stepped in and led the rebuild of the quake-damaged electrical network as well as addressing the evolving energy needs of Christchurch City and Selwyn District,” she says.

“This has been a challenging and unique undertaking requiring years of intensive work.

“He should be proud of incorporating improved engineering architecture and resilience in our network while also maintaining a record of reliable power supply to our community. This has been achieved in the face of numerous natural events that have provided unique challenges for the network and staff.”

Taylor particularly acknowledged the key role that Orion, under Jamieson’s stewardship, has played in helping Christchurch and surrounding areas get back to normality after such a difficult time for those communities.

“Rob’s commitment to Canterbury and the community he lives in has been paramount across his career at Orion,” Taylor says.

“On behalf of the whole Orion team, we are grateful for Rob’s leadership and wish him all the very best for the future.”

The Orion board will shortly start searching for a replacement chief executive.

Meanwhile, Orion New Zealand confirms a confidential commercial settlement has been reached that brings to an end the High Court proceeding against it in relation to the Port Hills fires near Christchurch.

The settlement is without any admission of liability by Orion.

“The Port Hills fires had tragic consequences and Orion extends its deepest sympathies to all those affected,” Jamieson says.

“Orion continues to be confident in the integrity and safety of its network.  The company strives at all times to manage its network competently and efficiently in the interests of those who rely on electricity, and the community more generally.”