Executive Team
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MainPower’s Executive Team drive the company’s vision, strategy, and operations.
The Exectutive Team manage day-to-day activities, make critical decisions, and foster innovation. By leading various departments, they ensure alignment with corporate goals, enhance performance, and maintain a healthy organisational culture. Their expertise guides the company toward growth and long-term success.
Find out more about the MainPower Executive Team below.
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Executive Team
Damien Whiffen
Acting Chief Executive
Damien Whiffen
Acting Chief Executive
As a chartered professional engineer with extensive leadership experience in the energy sector, he drives strategic initiatives that enhance service reliability, safety and sustainability while building strong internal and external relationships.
A key focus is on opportunities for growth, ensuring North Canterbury leads the way as a strong, connected and enabled region. Damien is committed to ensuring our communities are prepared for the new energy future.
Damien Joined MainPower in 2024 as Chief Assets and Operations Officer, having previously worked in leadership positions at Essential Energy in Australia, Orion and Alpine Energy.
Mark Dawson
Acting General Manager Finance & Information Technology
Mark Dawson
Acting General Manager Finance & Information Technology
Sandra O’Donohue
General Manager People and Culture
Sandra O’Donohue
General Manager People and Culture
Peter Cairney
General Manager Service Delivery
Peter Cairney
General Manager Service Delivery
Penny Kibblewhite
General Manager Customer and Corporate Relations
Penny Kibblewhite
General Manager Customer and Corporate Relations
Sarah Barnes
Acting General Manager Commercial
Sarah Barnes
Acting General Manager Commercial
Andrew Mulligan
Acting General Manager Network
Andrew Mulligan
Acting General Manager Network
Aaron Neighbours
Head of Safety and Business Risk
Aaron Neighbours
Head of Safety and Business Risk
Duncan Thomason
Acting General Manager Field Services and Project Delivery
Duncan Thomason
Acting General Manager Field Services and Project Delivery
Sarah Barnes
General Manager Finance & Information Technology - On sabbatical until Oct 2025
Sarah Barnes
General Manager Finance & Information Technology - On sabbatical until Oct 2025
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