Vector shakes up top brass

Energy network company Vector today revealed the details of a shakeup of its top brass following the merger with NGC.

Eight new executives -- mostly internal appointments -- will report directly to Vector's chief executive Mark Franklin.

The company's three core businesses -- electricity, gas, and technology -- will each have their own CEOs, but will be supported by a single corporate structure.

David Tompkins, who was Vector's general manager (GM) of service delivery, will head the electricity division -- which includes Vector and UnitedNetworks' electricity lines in Auckland and Wellington.

Bryan Crawford, formerly NGC's CEO, will head the gas division, which covers NGC's processing, transmission and distribution businesses, as well as Vector's Auckland gas business, the On gas LPG business and gas trading.

Simon Mackenzie, previously Vector's networks GM, will head the technology businesses including NGC Metering, the Stream Ltd metering joint venture and Vector's communications business.

Mr Franklin said the new structure is a total rethink, and differs from either of the existing businesses.

"Vector has grown significantly in recent years and is a much different business to what it has ever been before," he said.

Among the other appointments, Peter Fredicson will retain his position as chief financial officer; Andy Knight, a former AGL executive who has been with Vector since the start of the year, will be group GM for strategy; Steve Bielby, formerly NGC's general counsel, will become group general counsel; and Peter Brown, previously Vector's GM corporate, will head the group's organisation services.

The only newcomer is Hanno Schupp, who joins Vector in November as chief information officer. He currently works for Deloitte Consulting in Australia.

With the exception of Mr Schupp, the appointments are effective from Monday (October 3).

The company expects to complete the merger b y early 2006.

Shares in Vector last traded unchanged at $3.09.

- NZPA