PowerNet Chief Executive Jason Franklin has announced his resignation and will depart PowerNet on 2 April 2025. He will be leaving PowerNet after 13 years to take up the role of Chief Executive at Powerco, based in Wellington.

Powerco is New Zealand’s second-largest electricity and gas distributor, serving 1.1 million customers across 452,000 homes, businesses, and organisations in the North Island.

Jason joined Invercargill-based PowerNet in January 2012, making a significant impact over more than a decade. His tenure has been marked by strong leadership, commercial acumen, a steadfast commitment to workplace safety, and an ability to build lasting relationships. These qualities have contributed to a strong and enduring legacy at PowerNet.

Prior to joining PowerNet, Jason enjoyed a 14-year career with the Rio Tinto Group, holding roles across New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Australia. He began his career with the Electricity Corporation of New Zealand (ECNZ). Jason currently serves on the board of Electricity Networks Aotearoa and SmartCo Limited and has previously been a member of the Executive Committee of the Major Electricity Users Group and the Wholesale Advisory Group for the Electricity Authority. Additionally, he is a director of SBS Bank Limited and Great South and has previously held directorships with Invercargill Airport and Rugby Southland, where he also served as Chair.

Notable achievements during Jason Franklin’s leadership of PowerNet include:

• Leading substantial improvements in health and safety performance, culture, and the management of critical risks.
• Overseeing the integration of several businesses, including insourcing field contracting services and the full acquisition and integration of OtagoNet, the electricity distribution network in Otago.
• Establishing and growing the electricity generation business Southern Generation and supporting its recent successful divestment.
• Driving significant network growth in the Southern region, particularly in the Queenstown Lakes area for the Lakeland electricity distribution network and advancing industrial decarbonisation and electrification in Southland.
• Supporting PowerNet shareholders in key strategic transactions, including the sale of PowerNet, OtagoNet, and Lakeland by Electricity Invercargill Limited to The Power Company Limited.

Jason will assume his new role as Chief Executive of Powerco on 28 April 2025, succeeding James Kilty, who left Powerco in December 2024 and is set to become Chief Executive of Transpower New Zealand Limited in February 2025.

The PowerNet Board has initiated the process to appoint a new Chief Executive.