September 7, 2016
Former Origin Energy general manager David Smales has been appointed CEO of the new merged power distribution body, Energy Queensland.
The government-owned corporation was launched on June 30 from the merger of Ergon Energy and Energex.
Mr Smales will replace former Energex CEO Terry Effeney, who served as Energy Queensland’s acting CEO while the merged corporation established its structure.
Treasurer Curtis Pitt said Mr Smales had more than 30 years’ experience in technical, operational, asset management, corporate and senior executive roles.
Mr Smales will be based in Townsville, where the Energy Queensland headquarters have been set up.
Energy Queensland Chairman Phil Garling said he was looking forward to Mr Smales taking up the position on October 31.
Mr Garling acknowledged the work of Mr Effeney during the merger process.
“When Terry stepped into the interim CEO role, he indicated he would be retiring from the electricity industry once a permanent CEO was in place,” Mr Garling said.
“Terry has had a long and successful career in the electricity industry, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
