New CEO appointed for Energy Queensland

PRESS RELEASE

Experienced energy industry executive Rod Duke is the new chief of publicly-owned Energy Queensland, parent company of Energex and Ergon.

Treasurer Jackie Trad said Mr Duke brought more than 34 years of executive and energy industry experience to the energy group.

“Energy Queensland includes Australia’s largest electricity distribution company as well as an innovative energy services provider in Yurika, and a highly successful retailer – so it was important that a highly experienced CEO with significant contemporary energy experience and leadership was appointed,” Ms Trad said.

“In line with our 2015 election commitment, Energy Queensland’s headquarters is in Townsville.

“Mr Duke will work from Townsville and, as a reflection of EQ’s statewide business, divide his time between regional Queensland locations and Brisbane.”

Before joining Energy Queensland, Mr Duke held senior roles at Santos, Singapore LNG Corporation, the energy market regulator in Singapore, and Woodside. He was most recently CEO of the Gladstone LNG project operating company for Santos and its partners.

Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham welcomed the appointment.

“Mr Duke brings a wealth of knowledge and transformational energy experience at a time when Australia’s energy sector is facing significant disruption,” he said.

Energy Queensland Chairman Phil Garling said he was looking forward to Mr Duke taking up the position.

Mr Garling acknowledged the work of Energy Queensland’s acting Chief Executive Mr Peter Scott.

“The group of companies that make up Energy Queensland have a vision to energise Queensland communities, and have established a strong culture of safety, innovation and putting real value on the diversity of its people,” Mr Garling said.

“This provides strong foundations for Mr Duke to build on and, from our conversations to date, I already have great confidence for the future. Being born in Gin Gin and having lived and worked in Queensland for many years, Mr Duke understands the future challenges and importantly the heritage of our companies.”