Our people

David Fyfe

David joined Synergy in 2020 as General Manager Commercial, bringing more than 20 years' experience across the energy and telecommunications industries. He has held executive roles in operations, commercial sales, asset management, and business development.

Appointed as Acting Chief Executive Officer in February 2022, David is committed to the seamless provision of secure and affordable electricity services for the Western Australian community. David leads a Synergy team dedicated to embracing emerging technologies and the development of innovative energy solutions, to ensure an efficient and sustainable energy future for all customers.

David holds a Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Strathclyde. He is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and has held board positions in listed and not for profit organisations, including the Fiona Wood Foundation where he currently serves as a Non-Executive Director.

Hayden Thomas

Joined Synergy: 2019

Hayden joined Synergy in January 2019 bringing more than 25 years’ of international finance leadership experience in listed entities the mining and oil and gas sectors.  

As the Chief Financial Officer, Hayden is responsible for all aspects of finance and treasury management to Synergy. In addition, Hayden is responsible for the provision of effective and efficient business services in areas such as supply chain through to property, vehicle fleet management and help desk services. His team partners with the business to measure business performance and provide insights, maintaining high standards of customer service and governance whilst adding strategic and commercial value. 

Hayden is a Certified Practising Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Science from The University of Melbourne, a Graduate Diploma in Accounting from Monash University and is a graduate of The Australian Institute of Company Directors.  

Hayden is also a Non Executive Director and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee of a not for profit entity in the healthcare sector on a voluntary basis.

Gary Peel

Joined Synergy: 2006

Gary has held several business and information communication technology roles throughout his career. With over 15 years’ experience in the energy sector, Gary has been a member of Synergy’s Executive team since 2015.

As Chief Information Officer of the Digital and Technology business unit, Gary oversees the management of Synergy’s digital and technology landscape. His team is focused on improving efficiency and sustainability through technology, maintaining digital platforms, delivering IT transformational projects. He is also responsible for the coordination of Synergy’s processes, systems and platforms, including cyber security for both information and operational technologies.

Gary holds a Master of Business Administration from Murdoch University.

Melanie Brown

Joined Synergy: 2020

Melanie joined the Synergy team in 2020 as General Counsel and Company Secretary and was appointed Executive General Manager Trading and Governance in 2022. Melanie has more than 20 years’ experience at top-tier law firms and across the healthcare and resources industries. Prior to Melanie’s appointment at Synergy, she was General Counsel and Company Secretary at Alcoa of Australia for almost 10 years.

At Synergy, Melanie oversees the wholesale activities undertaken by the business including the optimisation of Synergy’s wholesale electricity and fuel portfolios. Melanie also leads the provision of a suite of legal, regulatory, compliance, risk and assurance advice and support to the organisation to ensure effective governance.   

Melanie holds a double degree in Law and Commerce from the University of Western Australia, and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Corporate Governance from the Governance Institute of Australia, where she has served as a State Council Member since 2018. Melanie is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Lesley Walker

Joined Synergy: 2022

Lesley joined Synergy in January 2022 and has considerable prior experience with customer engagement in the banking and finance sectors.

As General Manager of the Customer business unit, Lesley ensures Synergy delivers exceptional customer service and innovative solutions to enable and support our customers to meet their changing energy needs. Her team works to leverage market insights for application across sales and customer experience.

Lesley has extensive experience managing contact centres and holds a Graduate Certificate of Business (Leadership) from Edith Cowan University.

Kurt Baker

Executive General Manager, Future Energy

Joined Synergy: 2014

Kurt joined the Synergy Executive team in 2014 and has more than 30 years’ experience in the Western Australian electricity industry in roles spanning operation and maintenance, project development, wholesale markets, business development and strategy.

As Executive General Manager, Future Energy, Kurt oversees the development and delivery of renewable energy projects by consolidating project capabilities and expanding resources. Most recently, Kurt was Acting General Manager Commercial, where he was responsible for leading Synergy's strategy, corporate development, renewables and storage development, policy, government relations, communications and media.

Kurt holds a Bachelor of Engineering and a Graduate Diploma of Business from Curtin University.

Angie Young

Joined Synergy: 2014

Angie has held senior and executive positions for leading organisations across Australia and has been part of the Synergy Executive team since she joined the business in 2014. Angie has worked in executive positions in industrial relations, human resources, health safety and environment and was a secondment as Chief Information Officer.

As Executive General Manager, Thermal Generation, Angie is responsible for multiple generation sites, asset optimisation, major projects and health safety and environment across Synergy’s sites. Angie’s team is responsible for safely and efficiently providing reliable energy and essential services to Western Australians through gas and coal generation, while managing the decommissioning and transition of assets.

Angie holds a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Industrial Relations and Psychology, as well as a Master of Business Administration from the university of New South Wales.

Jason Froud

Joined Synergy: 2014

Jason Froud has over 15 years’ experience in executive and senior leadership roles in the Western Australian energy sector delivering strategic engagement and commercial outcomes. 

Jason is committed to leading the delivery of Synergy’s corporate strategy by embedding social value throughout the business and empowering our people to better deliver and develop. 

Jason has led Synergy’s involvement in Western Australian energy market reform, government relations, energy policy development, stakeholder engagement and advocacy. He was the project lead for Synergy’s Kwinana Battery Energy Storage System project from inception to final investment decision. He also acted in the position of Executive General Manager People, Strategy and Social Value from late 2022 to early 2023.

Jason is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Murdoch University as well as a Graduate Diploma of Business Management and a Graduate Diploma of Public Sector Administration.