Board

Louise Sylvan AM FAICD

Louise is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Sydney, Chair of Energy Consumers Australia, a non-executive director of The Australian Centre for Social Innovation (TACSI) and a Member of the Advisory Group of the Net Zero Australia project.

She was previously CEO of the Australian National Preventative Health Agency, a Commissioner of the Productivity Commission, Deputy Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission as well as President of Bush Heritage Australia and a non-executive director of Social Enterprise Finance Australia, Impact Investing Australia and the Australian Risk Policy Institute.

Dr Katherine Woodthorpe AO FAICD

Dr Katherine Woodthorpe AO is an experienced Chair and non-executive director serving for more than 20 years on the boards of a variety of organisations including listed entities, government boards and
for-purpose organisations. She has a strong track record in a broad range of innovation-dependent industries including healthcare, renewable energy and environmental and climate science. She has been cited in various media as one of Australia’s most influential people in innovation.

Amongst her current appointments in the energy/climate field, she Chairs Natural Hazards Research Australia and is a Director of Anteotech Ltd and Vast Solar Pty Ltd. She was previously a Director of ARENA.

Simon Smith

Simon has over 20 years’ experience in government decision-making, policy development, regulatory reform and organisational leadership. He has served as CEO/Secretary of large NSW public sector entities across industry policy, vocational education, environment, finance and first minister’s portfolios.

Simon is currently employed as Chief Operating Officer of the ASX listed PEXA Group, which provides the digital services used by lawyers, conveyancer’s and banks to settle over 80% of Australian property transactions.

Catherine Cooper LLB, GDLP, FAICD

Catherine is an experienced non-executive director having served on a significant number of boards for over 20 years. Career highlights include the establishment of a national joint venture Rural Bank, being a Telstra ‘Business Woman of the Year’ finalist twice, inclusion in an international management program, and winning a position in the ASX Top 200 Chairman’s Mentoring program run by the AICD.

Catherine’s current and past board roles include Energy Consumers Australia, Beston Global Foods (ASX), Deputy Chair of Australian Eggs RDC, Wine Australia RDC, Animal Health Australia, Energy Advocacy Panel member, Chair of SA EPA, Director of Grains Australia and as a Commissioner of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority.

Catherine is very experienced in research development, strategy, evaluation and achieving commercial adaptation outcomes. A significant part of her board portfolio is with national RDC and CRC organisations. In addition, her strategic governance and risk management skills are well established.

James Colbert

James has over 20 years’ experience spanning global corporates and start-ups.James brings deep experience in strategy, commercial and technology.

He has served as APAC Regional Director for global leader Schneider Electric and been at the forefront of the energy transition with technology and large generator/retailers.

James is currently a partner with KPMG in management consulting where he advises and supports businesses across energy, mining and property on strategy and technology.

He sits on the Board Advisory panel for Energy Consumers Australia and is the former Chair of the International MicroGrid Association.