Contact Energy Deputy CEO James Kilty has resigned and will leave Contact to take up the role of CEO at gas and electricity distributor Powerco (powerco.co.nz). James will start at Powerco on 18 October 2021.

Contact CEO Mike Fuge said Mr Kilty had made “a huge contribution to Contact and the New Zealand electricity industry” in nearly 20 years with the company, having joined in February 2002.

“James has been a highly valued member of our Leadership Team, and he has been instrumental in delivering countless major strategic initiatives across all areas of the Contact business.

“It has been excellent working with James and I’ve enjoyed his keen strategic mind and wise counsel. He has also developed a strong team of future leaders for the company. On behalf of myself, the Board, the Leadership Team and the wider Contact whanau I would like to thank him and wish him well for the future.”

Mr Kilty said it had been “a privilege to lead and represent Contact, its people and its tikanga” in his various roles. “I’ve hugely enjoyed my time at Contact and the many opportunities it has presented for me to learn and develop as a person and as a leader.

“I know the company is well-positioned with the right strategy, options and capability for its next stage of growth and I look forward to watching its progress. New Zealand needs to decarbonise and Contact will play a leading role in making that happen. I am grateful to everyone at Contact for making the company a great place to work.”

Investor enquiries

Matthew Forbes 
+64 21 072 8578

Paul Ford 
paul.ford@contactenergy.co.nz 
Ph 021 809 589