AEC chief executive to step down after nearly six years at helm

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Australian Energy Council (AEC) Chair Damien Nicks said McNamara was leaving to take up an executive role with Alinta Energy.

Ben Barnes, the AEC’s General Manager Corporate Affairs, will take on the role of interim chief executive while an executive search is undertaken.

Nicks said “We are sorry to lose someone of Sarah’s calibre. She has been a strong leader and a passionate and effective advocate for our members, the industry, and customers, with a strong focus on sound public policy reform to support the energy transition.

“On behalf of the board and the AEC’s members I’d like to thank Sarah for her significant contributions to the energy sector during a period of challenge and constant change. We wish her all the best in her new role,” Nicks said.

McNamara joined AEC in January 2016 as GM corporate affairs and was appointed chief executive in July 2018. She brought extensive experience in government relations, corporate affairs and the energy sector to the role.