CANBERRA, 1 December, 2016; Australia’s international wind energy company Windlab Limited is today pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Joseph O’Brien as a non-executive Director of Windlab Limited. Mr O’Brien brings a depth of energy industry experience that will complement the existing skills and experience of the board.
Mr O’Brien has worked in the energy-supply industry for nearly 20 years leading the establishment of a number of consulting and project-development businesses and providing significant advice to the electricity supply sector. Over this period, he has primarily worked as a CEO, Managing Director and advisor. Mr O’Brien’s practices have revolved around electricity supply, across both infrastructure and trading markets, including regulatory and policy reform advice to State and Federal Government. Mr O’Brien was the CEO of the strategic power system engineering advisory business Hill Michael for almost 10 years as the firm grew to be a leading firm in Australia. In 2012 Hill Michael was acquired by GHD Pty Ltd where Mr O’Brien served on the global finance committee overseeing a turnover exceeding US$1 billion. Over recent years Mr O’Brien has established VisIR (he serves as Executive Chairman), a specialist private-equity investor focused exclusively on the electricity-supply industry across asset classes from venture to infrastructure.
Mr O’Brien is a Director of a number of private companies and is involved in a range of philanthropic activities including as a Director of the Mater Hospital Foundation in Brisbane, member of the Committee of the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation, and Director of the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation.
“We are delighted to have Joseph join the board of Windlab. His extensive industry experience and in particular his knowledge of the Queensland market will be invaluable as the company focuses on the development of the first and subsequent stages of the Kennedy Energy Park Project.” Said Roger Price, Chief Executive and Chairman of Windlab.
Mr O’Brien’s appoint coincides with the retirement of Dr. Ralph Craven from the board of Windlab. Dr Craven served on the board from 2010 to 2016 during a number of very important growth years for the company including the first year it generated significant export revenue.
“The board, shareholders and team would like to thank and acknowledge Ralph’s contribution to building Australia’s leading renewable energy business. His broad experience in the energy and electricity sectors, spanning both domestic and international markets has been critical to the company’s success.” Stated Roger Price.