Vector appoints group chief executive

03/09/2025 08:30 NZST, ADMIN

Vector appoints group chief executive

Vector has appointed Chris Blenkiron as the company’s new group chief executive officer.

Vector chair Doug McKay said that Chris impressed the board with his leadership, focus on operational excellence and strategic thinking.

“We are delighted with Chris’s appointment. Throughout the process he demonstrated astute insights into the energy sector and Vector’s future growth opportunities.

Chris is currently chief executive at Rio Tinto’s Tiwai smelter in Invercargill, the country’s largest user of energy. Prior to that he worked for BlueScope in New Zealand and Indonesia.

“At Tiwai Chris created a high performing culture with an outstanding health and safety record. His proven ability to balance commercial results, operational excellence along with exceptional customer, community and staff outcomes is highly regarded by a broad range of stakeholders,” said Mr McKay.

“We look forward to welcoming him to Vector and are confident he will make a real impact for Vector shareholders, customers and staff.”

“I’m hugely excited about joining Vector as the energy transition continues to create opportunities and challenges. Leading the company that enables Aucklanders every single day is truly a privilege. I’m very much looking forward to immersing myself in the sector and working with the Vector team to further build on what is a very successful company,” said Chris.

Chris will be relocating his family to Auckland and starting with Vector in December.

The search process was facilitated by Johnson Partners, considering both local and international candidates, with comprehensive assessments conducted.

ENDS

Investor contact

Jason Hollingworth, Chief Financial Officer, Vector

Jason.hollingworth@vector.co.nz, 021 312 928

Media contact

Matthew Britton, Communications Manager, Vector

Matthew.britton@vector.co.nz, 021 224 2966

About Vector

Vector is an innovative New Zealand energy company, delivering energy and communication services to more than 630,000 residential and commercial customers across New Zealand. Vector has a leading role in creating a new energy future through its Symphony strategy which puts customers at the heart of the energy system. Vector is listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange with ticker symbol VCT. Our majority shareholder, with voting rights of 75.1%, is Entrust. For further information, visit www.vector.co.nz.