Mercury CEO changes

Vince Hawksworth will retire as Mercury chief executive effective August 31 this year.

Mercury’s executive general manager Stew Hamilton will take over as chief executive.

So says Mercury’s board, adding that Hawksworth has served in the role since March 2020.

Hawksworth has overseen a period of significant growth at Mercury, leading the company through the construction of the Turitea Wind Farm and two major acquisitions, adding the New Zealand assets of Tilt Renewables and the Trustpower retail business to Mercury’s portfolio, says the board.

“With the successful integration of both acquisitions now completed, Mercury is well positioned to lead the electrification of Aotearoa New Zealand.”

The board says that as generation executive general manager, Hamilton has been responsible for the management, operation and maintenance of Mercury’s hydro, geothermal and wind assets.

“He is also responsible for health, safety and wellbeing performance at an enterprise level.”

 Before joining Mercury, Hamilton was New Zealand Aluminium Smelters chief executive and general manager.

“Vince has proven to be an exceptional leader, navigating Mercury through COVID-19 and achieving significant growth of the company, its performance and its culture,” says Mercury chair Scott St John.

“Under Vince’s leadership, Mercury has developed a generation and retail platform that positions the company for future success.

St John says Hawksworth has made “a significant contribution not just to Mercury’s long-term success, but also the sector more broadly, over nearly 30 years”.

“He has played an important part in helping bring our sector together collaboratively as we navigate the transition, ensuring better outcomes for all New Zealanders.

“The board has run a comprehensive search process considering both internal and external candidates,” says St John.

“At Mercury, Stew has improved resilience, safety and performance of our generating assets, while overseeing our extensive hydro refurbishment programme and initiating the expansion of the Ngā Tamariki geothermal station.”

Hamilton says New Zealanders should be proud of the energy sector.

“I am excited about the contribution that Mercury is making to our country’s transition to net-zero carbon,” he says.

“Mercury is on an impressive growth trajectory and I am looking forward to continuing this journey with our highly capable, purpose-driven team.”