- Jason Waters appointed CEO of new, merged Synergy
Government endorses Synergy board recommendations for new electricity entity
Synergy and Verve Energy to merge January 1, 2014
Energy Minister Mike Nahan and Synergy board chairman Michael Smith today announced the appointment of Jason Waters as CEO of the new merged Synergy and Verve entity, following State Cabinet's endorsement of the board's recommendation.
Mr Waters has served as CEO of the State Government-owned electricity generator Verve Energy since May 2012 and has more than 23 years' experience in the State's energy sector.
Dr Nahan said Mr Waters had demonstrated his ability across a range of areas including power generation, trading and fuel, while driving a commercially focused business on behalf of the Western Australian Government.
"He has also played a key role in successfully negotiating beneficial, long-term fuel supply contracts for the State, which is one of the most critical cost-driving factors in the portfolio," the Minister said.
"I am confident the board of the new Synergy has made the right decision in appointing Mr Waters to lead a corporation that will be at the forefront of the State Government's broader, ongoing reforms in the energy sector."
Dr Nahan said the merging of Synergy and Verve Energy was designed to improve efficiencies in electricity production in Western Australia, and help create a market that delivered cost-effective, reliable and safe energy.
Synergy chairman Michael Smith said it was critical the new corporation continued to focus on operating safely and efficiently while maintaining the high standards of customer service set by the current Synergy.
"Jason is an outstanding leader with the ability to take us into a new era that will integrate a retail business of approximately one million customers with a generation business that generates 60 per cent of the electricity in the South West Integrated System," Mr Smith said.
Mr Waters said he was delighted to be appointed as CEO of the new Synergy and looked forward to leading an outstanding team of people focused on operating safely and efficiently and providing the very best level of service to customers. His appointment becomes effective on January 1, 2014, which is the official date for the two entities to merge.
Both Mr Waters and Trevor James, current CEO of Synergy, will continue in their respective roles until December 31, 2013.
Fact File
Jason Waters was appointed Verve Energy CEO in May 2012
He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) and Graduate Diploma in Business from Curtin University of Technology
He has completed Harvard Business School's Program for Leadership Development
Minister's office - 6552 5700
