Hydro Tasmania Chair Richard Bolt today (Tuesday) announced the appointment of Rachel Watson to the role of Chief Executive Officer.

Ms Watson is currently the Country Manager for global renewable developer OX2. She was formerly CEO of Pacific Hydro Australia and Chair of the Clean Energy Council and was recently named in The Australian’s list of 100 Green Power Players.

Mr Bolt said Ms Watson brought international executive-level experience in hydro, solar and wind power, with a strong track record in infrastructure development, retail, finance and legal.

“Rachel is known in the energy industry as a dynamic and passionate leader with a strong focus on the commercial and cultural aspects of business,” Mr Bolt said.

“She has the breadth and depth of experience to lead the sophisticated and complex operations of Hydro Tasmania, enable the growth of renewables and industrial load, and firm Tasmania’s power from upgraded and new hydropower and pumped storage stations.”

Following an open and thorough recruitment process, Ms Watson will become the first woman to hold the substantive CEO role at Hydro Tasmania. Her appointment means the executive team will be among the very few in the energy industry with a majority of women.

“Rachel will lead Hydro Tasmania through one of its most important periods of change. I am very pleased that a leader of her talent and integrity has chosen to join us,” Mr Bolt said.

Ms Watson said she looked forward to making Tasmania her home and building on Hydro Tasmania’s big vision for the future.

“I am honoured and delighted to take up this role,” Ms Watson said.

“There are very exciting opportunities and challenges ahead and I am really looking forward to working on Hydro Tasmania's ambitious agenda, together with the Hydro Tasmania team.”

Hydro Tasmania’s Executive General Manager, Strategy, Erin van Maanen has been Acting CEO since Ian Brooksbank’s retirement in October.

Ms van Maanen will continue as Acting CEO until Ms Watson officially starts on 14 April next year.