16 June 2006

Ergon Energy Chairman to Take Reins of Leading Not for Profit

Keith Hilless, current chair of Queensland’s own Ergon Energy, has been appointed National President of the Australian Institute of Management.

A long serving Board Member and immediate Past Chairman of the Queensland and Northern Territory division of the Institute, Mr Hilless is well known for his commitment to developing regional and remote leadership capability.

“Regional management and leadership capability is a platform I have spoken on for many years,” Mr Hilless said.

“As a challenge that I believe faces the greater Australian management community, I hope my passion reaches a wider audience in my role as National President.”

As a defining achievement in his time as a divisional chair, Mr Hilless oversaw the development of a Centre for Rural and Remote Leadership (CRRL), the first of its kind in Australia.

“CRRL began as a seed funded project by the Board, led by Chief Executive Officer, Carolyn Barker,” Mr Hilless said.

”After months of community engagement and research, management is ready to take the concept to Canberra to gain federal government support.”

Mr Hilless brings to his role as President experience gained from a career in the electricity supply industry spanning almost 50 years.

AIM was incorporated over 65 years ago to accommodate management of the day's need to find like-minded individuals for peer reference, networking and formal learning.

“The Institute, particularly the Queensland and Northern Territory division, has diversified significantly during my tenure as Chairman to better service the management community,” Mr Hilless said.

“For instance, AIM has taken a formal position in publishing in this country, producing first rate books on management, leadership, culture, character, power and influence, innovation and imagination that are now sold around the world.”

AIM Qld & NT CEO, Carolyn Barker, said the appointment was a natural progression for Mr Hilless.

“Keith’s appointment as National Chairman is a bitter sweet occasion for the Queensland Division,” Ms Barker said.

“While the Board will miss his guidance and stewardship, Keith’s selection is a wonderful reflection on the Board and management of the Queensland Division.”

Prior to taking up the role as Chairman of Ergon Energy, Mr Hilless held the position of Managing Director with international energy corporation NRG Asia Pacific Ltd for five years.

He served as the Queensland Electricity Commissioner with oversight of electricity generation, transmission, distribution and regulation in Queensland from 1991 to 1994.

Throughout his career Mr Hilless also held a number of chief executive roles with the Queensland Transmission and Supply Corporation and Ergon Energy's predecessor organisations, SWQEB and NORQEB.

He completed his Bachelor of Engineering at the University of Queensland and is currently a member of the Council of the Queensland University of Technology.

For more information or to arrange interviews contact Dawn Hewitt from Sequel Communications on 07 3251 8128 or 0403 090 910.