With extensive experience in the energy sector, the AGIG executive team is well placed to lead us to achieving our vision.

Craig de Laine

Chief Executive Officer

Craig joined the business in 2005 and became Chief Executive Officer of the AGIG entities in November 2021. Craig is an experienced executive and, prior to being appointed CEO, had responsibility for a broad range of key corporate functions, including business strategy, our low carbon strategy and transition, hydrogen growth and development, ESG, corporate affairs, media, communications, regulation, customer service and business development, community engagement, risk and compliance and people and culture. He brings over 20 years of industry experience and currently Chairs the Australian Hydrogen Centre and the Future Fuels Cooperative Research Centre Research Program. Craig holds a Master of Economics.

Mark Beech

Executive General Manager, Network Operations

Mark has operational responsibility for our gas distribution networks, the largest across Australia, ensuring the safe and reliable supply of natural gas to more than two million customers every day. Mark oversees the full life cycle of distribution network asset management, from commissioning through to the daily operational management of the distribution networks. Backed with more than 30 years of experience in utility operations, Mark has a well-deserved reputation as a technical leader in the Australian energy industry. Mark holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering together with a Graduate Diploma in Engineering Management.

Johanna Birgersson

Executive General Manager, People, Safety & Culture

With people spanning four states and six offices, Johanna leads the national workforce strategy and management. Joh is responsible for all key people functions at AGIG, including People and Culture, Health and Safety, and Training and Development as well as Property. As a forward-thinking leader, Joh has significant experience in complex industrial environments, and recently joined AGIG following eight years in an Executive General Management Human Resources role. Johanna has a Bachelor of Arts, holds Post Graduate qualifications in Human Resource Management from the University of Melbourne and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Jon Cleary

Executive General Manager, Commercial

Jon oversees the commercial operation of our transmission pipeline, storage and power generation assets. He monitors the changing energy landscape, seeking strategic opportunities for growth across our national operations. He is responsible for expansion opportunities and new projects, both in the regulated and unregulated space. Under Jon’s leadership, we have added a number of new gas pipeline, storage and remote power assets to our portfolio. Reliability is critical for our customers, and Jon also manages our Western Australian control room facilities. Jon brings invaluable experience to our Executive Team, having worked for the Queensland Gas Company (BG Group) and Woodside. He holds a Bachelor of Economics and a Master of Science.

Paul May

Chief Financial Officer

Paul brings over 25 years’ experience in corporate financial and management roles including extensive experience in ASX-listed companies. He has been CFO of AGIG entities since 2014. Paul oversees all aspects of financial operations and strategy for our portfolio of companies to ensure the business continues to be sustainably cost efficient. He is responsible for the accounting, treasury, tax, capital management and insurance functions across the group. He holds a Bachelor of Accounting and is a Chartered Accountant.

Cathryn McArthur

Executive General Manager, Customer and Strategy

Cathryn manages a wide portfolio of AGIG’s external-facing functions, with a particular focus on leading the business through the energy transition. She leads business strategy, as well as sustainability, customer engagement, corporate affairs, business development, marketing and our industry-leading work in hydrogen development. Cathryn joined the business in 2022, following 20 years in the telecommunications industry across various roles spanning the public and private sector. Cathryn’s extensive experience in navigating through sector transitions is extremely valuable to AGIG as we do the same. Cathryn holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts and has also completed the Stanford Executive Program at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

Tawake Rakai

Executive General Manager, Transmission Asset Management

Strategic asset management for the gas transmission system and storage facilities is Tawake’s responsibility. He leads with the critical imperative of maintaining asset safety and integrity. Applying modern engineering practices, Tawake leads the design and construction of new gas transmission systems, storage facilities and hydrogen production facilities. Tawake is also responsible for health and safety at AGIG, including process safety, leading our safety culture and drive to zero harm. Tawake has extensive operations, maintenance and project experience with more than 35 years in the gas industry. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical).

James Smith

Executive General Manager, Transmission Operations

James leads the safe and reliable operations of our transmission assets. Focused on achieving a zero harm future, James inspires our operations teams and optimises our maintenance activities in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. James is a keen advocate in the pipeline industry, supporting research, development and sharing of lessons learned. He brings almost 30 years’ experience from field, supervisory, management and executive management roles in the gas industry. He proudly holds trade qualifications in addition to an Advanced Diploma in Leadership and Management.

Roxanne Smith

Executive General Manager, Corporate and Regulation

Roxanne manages the Legal and Company Secretary Team, overseeing and advising on all legal and governance matters. Prior to joining AGIG in October 2019, Roxanne spent 20 years in private practice providing legal advice to clients in the infrastructure, utility and natural resources sectors, with a focus on regulation. Roxanne’s depth of experience in our sector enables her to provide strategic legal support to all areas of our business. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting).