Hydro Tasmania has announced the appointment of Rachel Watson as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), with her official start date set for 14 April 2025. This comes as the company prepares for significant developments in renewable energy and infrastructure.
Rachel Watson brings with her extensive international experience, having held senior executive roles across the hydro, solar, and wind power sectors. Her expertise spans infrastructure development, retail, finance, and legal fields, positioning her as a strong leader for Hydro Tasmania’s future.
Currently serving as the Country Manager for global renewable developer OX2, Watson has also previously been the CEO of Pacific Hydro Australia and Chair of the Clean Energy Council. Her achievements were recently recognised when she was included in The Australian’s list of 100 Green Power Players.
Richard Bolt, Hydro Tasmania’s Chair, highlighted Watson’s suitability for the role, noting, “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.”
Watson will make history as the first woman to take on the substantive CEO role at Hydro Tasmania. This milestone means that the executive leadership team will become one of the few in the energy sector with a majority of women in senior positions. Bolt expressed his excitement about Watson’s appointment, saying, “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.”
Reflecting on her new role, Watson shared her enthusiasm for the future, saying, “I am honoured and delighted to take up this role. 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.”
Since October 2024, Erin van Maanen, Hydro Tasmania’s Executive General Manager for Strategy, has been acting as CEO following the retirement of Ian Brooksbank.
About Hydro Tasmania
Hydro Tasmania is Australia’s leading clean energy business, as well as the country’s largest generator of renewable energy. The company is committed to making Tasmania the “renewable energy battery of the nation,” striving to create a future that is clean, reliable, and affordable for all.
