The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has appointed Mr Daniel Westerman as the new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. 

Mr Westerman, who is currently the Chief Transformation Officer at international utility National Grid, will replace Nino Ficca who has been acting CEO following the departure of Audrey Zibelman in December.

Mr Westerman, an Australian, will return home to lead AEMO, bringing his deep operational experience in the energy sector to the role.

At National Grid, Mr Westerman managed the electricity network across England and Wales and has led transformation and change programs across multiple business units and geographies.

His significant commercial and regulatory experience in both the United Kingdom and the United States mean he is well-positioned to lead a key market institution like AEMO through this period of significant change in the energy market.

I welcome Mr Westerman’s appointment and look forward to working with him to progress important energy market reforms. 

Mr Westerman’s ongoing appointment will commence on 17 May 2021. 

I thank Mr Ficca for his leadership of AEMO since stepping in as interim Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. He will return to his role as non-executive director when Mr Westerman commences in May.

Media contact:

Minister Taylor’s office: 02 6277 7120