The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) is pleased to announce James Hay has been appointed as its new Chief Executive.

He will take up the role in mid-January.

“James has an impressive background spanning the energy, transport and public sectors, working with infrastructure and energy businesses, and with community-facing organisations,” says EECA Chair Tom Campbell.

“This is an excellent fit for EECA, which is a government agency known for its expertise in working across all sectors of the economy.”

As Network General Manager – Motorways for Roads and Maritime Services, James is currently overseeing the AUD$16.8 billion Westconnex motorway scheme under construction in Sydney.

He has previously been Acting Chief Executive for Meridian Energy, and a director of Marlborough Lines Limited and Cloud M Limited.

James, who originally trained as a lawyer, has also held leadership roles at Christchurch-based civil engineering company, Central Plains Water Limited, and the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA).

EECA’s current Chief Executive, Mike Underhill, is to retire in mid-November after nearly 10 years in the role.