Snowy Hydro appoints new CEO and MD

Snowy Hydro has announced the appointment of Dennis Barnes as the new CEO and Managing Director.

Barnes will take on the role from February 1 2023. Barnes was most recently the CEO of Contact Energy, overseeing an investment program which supported renewables and the installation of enterprise-wide systems.

Barnes has also previously held executive roles at Origin Energy, including General Manager, Energy Risk Management, general Manager and Generation Operations. He is currently serving as the non-executive director of Tilt Renewable sand Mercury NZ.

Related stories:

• Traffic Management Association of Australia appoints new CEO
• Snowy Hydro CEO resigns
• UGL awarded $185M contract for new Snowy Hydro power plant

Snowy Hydro Chairman David Knox said the appointment followed a thorough local and international executive search process.

“Dennis has over three decades’ experience in the energy sector, with a focus on renewables and retail. His appointment brings a wealth of strategic knowledge and proven capability in delivering strong performance across large energy businesses at an exciting time for Snowy Hydro,” Knox said.

Roger Whitby, who has been the acting CEO since August will resume his role as COO.

Knox thanked Whitby for his leadership during his tenure.

“I would like to acknowledge and thank Roger for his leadership, commitment and steady guidance during this period of transition for the company,” Knox said.