Joint media release with the Minister for Finance the Hon Simon Birmingham 

The Morrison Government has reappointed Mr Steven Skala AO as chair of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) for a further five-year term, commencing on 7 August 2022, and appointed two new members of the board to fill vacancies left by the departure of Ms Laura Reed and Mr Philip Coffey.

The new Board members are Mr David Jones AM and Mr Matt Howell, whose five-year terms commence on 8 April and 14 May respectively.

Mr Jones is an Executive Director of VGI Partners, a global fund manager, and has more than thirty years’ experience in investment markets, the majority as a general partner in private equity firms, and prior to that in general management and management consulting. In 2021 he was made a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the museums and galleries sector, as well as to the community.

Mr Howell is the outgoing CEO of Tomago Aluminium, experienced in base and precious metals smelting, 24/7 capital intensive operations, and energy intensive manufacturing. He has led the company’s transformation into the largest and most efficient aluminium smelter in the Asia Pacific region.

The Government thanks Ms Reed and Mr Coffey for their significant service as CEFC Board members since 2017 and 2018 respectively. 

During their time on the Board, and under the leadership of Mr Skala, the CEFC has surpassed $10 billion in investment commitments and commenced a realignment with the objectives of Australia’s Technology Investment Roadmap.

Media contact: 

Minister Taylor's office 02 6277 7120