GEOFF DOUCH - CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Geoff joined Electra as Chief Executive in November 2023. He had previously been the Chief Executive at Network Waitaki since early 2019.
As Chief Executive, Geoff leads the business to deliver on its strategy and ensure the business operates safely, reliably, and achieves its goal of supporting the growth and electrification of the region.
With over 20 years’ experience in electricity distribution, he has previously held senior leadership roles at Counties Power and Wellington Electricity with responsibility for network management and operations. His earlier experience includes engineering, project management and commercial roles within the electricity distribution sector.
Geoff holds a degree in Electrical Engineering, a Graduate Diploma in Business, and has completed the Advanced Management Programme at the Melbourne Business School. He is a Member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (UK), the Institute of Directors, and is a Member, Executive Committee member and current President of the Electricity Engineers Association.
chris bekker - gm service delivery
Chris joined Electra in 2016 as the Network Service Delivery Manager and was appointed General Manager of the Service Delivery team in 2023.
In his current role, Chris leads the teams responsible for field operations, network maintenance, capital works, and customer-initiated projects across the Electra network. He also oversees the Control Room, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the electricity distribution system.
With over 30 years of experience in the utilities sector, Chris has held leadership roles across telecommunications, civil construction, and electricity distribution. For the past nine years, he has focused specifically on the electricity distribution industry, bringing a wealth of operational and strategic expertise to his role at Electra.
Nick carter - gm network
Nick joined Electra as the Network Planning and Development Manager in July 2022 before moving into the General Manager Network role in April 2024.
As General Manager Network, Nick leads the strategic development of Electra’s network assets ensuring that we deliver our strategy objectives and support the growth and electrification of the region.
Nick has over 20 years’ experience in the electricity supply industry and has previously held engineering and leadership roles at Transpower, UK Power Networks and Alpine Energy. His experience includes asset management, engineering, project management and technical roles within the electricity distribution sector.
Nick holds a degree in Electrical Engineering and has completed the General Management Programme at the Melbourne Business School.
RACHEL CRANSHAW - GM PEOPLE, SAFETY & CULTURE
Rachel joined Electra in 2015 as an HR Advisor and has held a range of roles across the People and Culture function before being appointed General Manager – People and Culture in December 2021, and then to her current role of General Manager – People, Safety and Culture in April 2024.
In her current role, Rachel leads the People, Safety and Culture team to support the business in creating a safe, inclusive, and high-performing workplace that enables the delivery of Electra’s strategic goals.
She brings broad HR experience gained in both the electricity distribution and care sectors, having previously worked as an HR generalist supporting businesses in aged care and early childhood education.
mATT GROVER - GM digital
Matt joined Electra in 2016 as IT Systems Administrator and has held a number of IT management roles over the years. He currently serves in the role of GM Digital.
In his current role, Matt is responsible for leading the company’s digital strategy and transformation initiatives, ensuring the delivery of secure, scalable, and resilient digital systems and services across the business. This encompasses Information Technology, Operational Technology, and Cyber Security. He has successfully overseen digital projects that enhance operational efficiency, modernise infrastructure, and increase cyber security resilience.
Matt holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and has completed the General Management Programme at the Melbourne Business School.
stuart marshall - gm commercial
Stuart Marshall joined Electra in 2023 and is the GM Commercial, joining the business from Powerco where he was the GM Customer Group.
He is responsible for managing policy interactions with the company’s economic and pricing regulators, and leads the company’s commercial, risk, compliance and legal services.
Before joining the electricity distribution sector Stuart worked in treasury advisory, previously as the General Manager of Bancorp Treasury Services, Australasia’s largest provider of treasury consultancy services. He has a Bachelor of Management Studies (1st Hons) and has completed the Advanced Management Programme at Columbia University.
scott scrimgeour - chief financial officer
Scott joined Electra’s as Chief Financial Officer in September 2024, joining the business from Wellington Electricity where he led the commercial, pricing and regulatory functions.
As Chief Financial Officer, Scott is responsible for Electra’s financial performance and long-term financial health.
Scott has 25 years’ experience in accounting, regulatory, and commercial roles. In addition to working for Wellington Electricity, Scott held various senior roles at Airways New Zealand which included leading the customer and commercial functions and an international sales group.
Scott is a Chartered Accountant and has a Commerce Degree and a Post Graduate Diploma in Forestry Science.
mark smith - gm customer and sustainability
Mark is the General Manager Customer and Sustainability, where he leads the customer experience team that handles incoming faults and service requests for connections, vegetation management or anything else you may be asking of Electra. He is also responsible to ensure Electra is considering the environment in all things we do, including minimising greenhouse gas emissions, as well as leading communications and community engagement for the business.
His background is as a technologist, having worked within a range of businesses including IBM, General Electric and Spark as well as smaller software and tech start-up companies in General Manager and sales leadership roles for over 35-years. The key theme throughout his career has been understanding the “why” and then figuring out what or how to solve a problem using technology.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in business studies from Massey University with majors in Information Systems and Marketing.