John Knox will take over from Michael Costello as CEO of ActewAGL. Photo: Supplied.
After more than three years leading water services in the ACT, John Knox will return to energy provider ActewAGL as its Chief Executive Officer, replacing Michael Costello who is retiring.
Mr Knox is currently the Managing Director of Icon Water, a board member of the ActewAGL Joint Venture Board and Deputy Chair of the Water Services Association of Australia.
He previously held the position of Chief Finance Officer at ActewAGL from 2007 to 2014 and has substantial experience from other private-sector service industries. He will join Actew AGL in November.
Mr Costello announced his retirement last May after a decade leading the joint venture energy business.
ActewAGL Joint Venture Chair Paul Adams cited Mr Knox’s extensive knowledge of the business, his keen understanding of the challenges ahead in an uncertain energy market and his commitment to building on ActewAGL’s market strength as key factors in his appointment.
“Mr Knox’s energetic leadership style, commercial experience, and passion for our customers and community will support the strategic objectives of ActewAGL. His long-term vision will ultimately benefit the Canberra community through innovative products and services,” Mr Adams said.
“ActewAGL is a dynamic joint venture with about 700 locally employed staff and an asset base of nearly $1.4b. It requires a CEO who is able to manage its many complexities. The Board has great confidence in appointing John to lead the organisation into the future.”
Mr Knox said that while he was sad to be leaving Icon Water, he was looking forward to the challenges of working in the energy sector again, particularly with an organisation he has extensive knowledge of.
“I consider myself to be very fortunate to have the opportunity to lead ActewAGL through an exciting new phase in which we will drive the agenda in harnessing innovative technologies and delivery methods,” Mr Knox said.
“The customer will continue to be my primary focus as I lead ActewAGL through the varied challenges facing the energy sector to ensure we continue to offer the best possible prices, services and reliability.”
Mr Costello will leave the business on Friday, 12 October 2018. Tania Hutchison, General Manager People and Safety will act as Chief Executive Officer until Mr Knox joins ActewAGL on Monday, 12 November 2018.
Mr Adams praised Mr Costello’s leadership of ActewAGL.
“Under Michael’s stewardship ActewAGL has achieved outstanding customer satisfaction ratings year-on-year and ensured it has remained the most reliable and sustainable energy and gas business in Australia, and over the years has offered our customers among the lowest costs,” Mr Adams said.
“Michael guided the ActewAGL retail brand to its current dominant market position and in Evoenergy he has delivered a safe, reliable and high-quality service in the face of challenging regulatory decisions. He has replaced legacy information/operational technology systems to ensure the business is equipped for the future.
“Michael has also demonstrated an unwavering commitment to safety as his number one priority. We are grateful for the immense contribution he has made over the past 10 years and wish him all the very best for the future.”
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