David joined AusNet on 15 November 2023 as CEO and has more than 40 years’ experience in the energy sector gained in Australia, Asia, and the United Kingdom.

Prior to joining AusNet he was Chief Operating Officer of China Light and Power, based in Hong Kong, and was the inaugural CEO of Energy Queensland Limited. Most recently, he has been focused on advisory projects in the UK energy sector. David is an experienced CEO with deep industry knowledge, having led and managed regulated electricity transmission and distribution businesses, natural gas infrastructure assets, power generation, and energy services businesses.

David holds a Master of Business Administration from Warwick Business School, UK, a Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering) from Sheffield Hallam University, UK, and is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of Engineers Australia.

Executive team

David Smales - Chief Executive Officer

Mark Ellul - Chief Financial Officer

Andrew Linnie – Executive General Manager, Network Operations (Interim)

Jon D’Sylva – Chief Development Officer

Elizabeth Ryan - Executive General Manager, Strategy, Regulation and Corporate Affairs

Bridget Cairns - Executive General Manager, People and Safety (Interim)