CEO appointed to lead new merged Synergy
The Chairman of the Synergy Board, Michael Smith, today announced the appointment of Jason Waters as CEO of the new merged Synergy.
Mr Smith said his appointment came following a lengthy recruitment process whereby the Board developed a strong belief that Mr Waters will make an outstanding leader to take the entity into a new era.
"It is critical that the new corporation maintains a focus on operating safely and efficiently while maintaining the high standards of customer service set by the current Synergy," Mr Smith said.
"Mr Waters has successfully demonstrated his ability to operate an efficient business and played a key role in negotiating beneficial, long-term fuel supply contracts for the State, which is one of the most critical cost-driving factors confronting the business presently and into the future.
"It was clear to the Board that
Mr Waters has the ability required to lead the merged entity which integrates a
retail business of approximately one million customers with a business that
generates 60 per cent of the electricity in the SWIS.
"As CEO of Verve Energy, Jason has led the business well through challenging times and I look forward to working with him closely in the future."
Mr Waters said he was delighted to be appointed to the position and looked forward to leading a new 'gentailer'.
"If you look at electricity markets throughout Australia and the world, the combination of the generation and retail arms into a gentailer is a proven model that I believe offers us the best way of achieving our objectives," Mr Waters said.
"I am extremely excited about leading an outstanding team of people that are based throughout the State, and who are focussed on operating safely and efficiently and providing the very best levels of service to our customers."
Mr Waters has served as CEO of the State Government-owned electricity generator Verve Energy since May 2012 and has more than 23 years experience in the State’s energy sector. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) and Graduate Diploma in Business from Curtin University and has completed Harvard Business School’s Program for Leadership Development.
His appointment becomes effective 1 January 2014, which is the official date for the two entities to merge. In the meantime he will serve out his exiting role as CEO of Verve Energy.
Mr Trevor James will continue in his role as existing Synergy CEO until 31 December 2013.