The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has appointed Mr Daniel Westerman as the new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director.

Mr Westerman, who is currently the Chief Transformation Officer at international utility National Grid, will replace Nino Ficca who has been acting CEO following the departure of Audrey Zibelman in December.

Mr Westerman, an Australian, will return home to lead AEMO, bringing his deep operational experience in the energy sector to the role.

At National Grid, Mr Westerman managed the electricity network across England and Wales and has led transformation and change programs across multiple business units and geographies.

His significant commercial and regulatory experience in both the UK and the US mean he is well-positioned to lead a key institution like AEMO through this period of significant change in the energy market.

Mr Westerman said he’s looking forward to collaborating with market participants, policymakers and stakeholders across the energy industry as the technology mix undergoes a dramatic transformation.

‘AEMO must continue to operate our energy systems today while planning for the challenges of tomorrow, and that will be my focus,’ he said.

Mr Westerman’s ongoing appointment will commence on 17 May.