Dr Nicola Crauford has been appointed as a Director of Pioneer Energy Limited. She replaces Warren McNabb who retired at the Annual General Meeting after a tenure of six years on the board.

The appointment was announced by Linda Robertson, Chair of Central Lakes Trust, owner of Pioneer Energy.

“Nicola has extensive governance and senior management experience, combined with a background in infrastructure and engineering, she brings a combination of technical, commercial and strategic skills that will prove extremely valuable to the Board of Pioneer Energy,” she says.

Pioneer Energy has supplied renewable power to New Zealand business and communities for more than 80 years. Over the past 10 years they have diversified energy service capabilities to supply both heat and power markets.

Stuart Heal, Chair of Pioneer Energy states, “We are delighted to welcome Nicola on to our board. With a strategic plan over the next 10 years that includes seeking out growth opportunities and increasing diversity, as well as a range of innovative development projects, Dr Crauford’s reputation for assisting organisations in new environments will make a welcome addition to the board table as we endeavour to deliver on our change objectives.”

“I am confident with Dr Crauford’s wide range of skills, governance experience and industry knowledge, and her outstanding track record for management and leadership she will be an asset to the board,” he says.

Dr Crauford has more than 25 years’ experience in senior management and governance roles in New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. She has strong governance experience in the energy, water and telecommunications utilities, science R&D, and environmental protection and regulation.

She is the current Chair of GNS Science and UFB Connect, a joint governance board for Chorus and Visionstream, a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of the Directors in New Zealand, and a Chartered Professional Engineer and International Professional Engineer. She is also a Director for Watercare Services and Environmental Protection Authority, and a previous Director of Genesis Energy and Orion New Zealand.

Pioneer Energy owns and operates a diverse portfolio of energy assets, products and investments throughout New Zealand. Pioneer also develop, own and operate innovative, clean energy plant for New Zealand businesses.

“Through several strategic investment partnerships, Pioneer has access to a continued pipeline of growth options. These growth options will contribute to the development of a sustainable energy future for New Zealand," Heal says. “It’s important we equip the board with the skills to take us into the future.”