Our leadership

Hannah McCaughey - Chief Executive Officer

Hannah McCaughey is Chief Executive of EnergyCo, leading the infrastructure planning and coordination of renewable energy zones and priority transmission projects in NSW.

Hannah brings over 25 years of experience in the energy sector, having held senior roles in both the UK and Australia, including at APA Group, Ausgrid, Gelion, British Gas, and Centrica.

Throughout her career Hannah has played a lead role in the design, delivery and implementation of multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects, electricity networks, renewable power generation and energy storage.

As a respected voice in energy policy, Hannah has led thought leadership on net-zero industry systems, including industrial REZ development and regional engagement.

Hannah’s expertise spans infrastructure development, stakeholder management, and effective oversight of major projects. She has extensive experience in joint ventures and in managing multi-regional teams to deliver transformative projects within complex regulatory and stakeholder environments.

Hannah believes in putting people at the heart of infrastructure delivery and renewable energy policy. She combines her deep understanding of the energy landscape, people-centred approach, and strong governance expertise to deliver projects that benefit both the regions in which they are built and the people of New South Wales. 

Mark Westbrook - Chief Project Officer

Mark is Chief Project Officer and is responsible for the development and delivery of EnergyCo’s program of projects. 

Mark joined EnergyCo in 2023 and has been delivering projects for 30 years. Prior roles have included 16 years at John Laing Group (based largely in London) where he held a variety of senior roles managing and delivering major greenfield infrastructure projects. 

Mark was Chief Risk Officer for the Group and served on their Group Investment Committee, Executive Committee and Risk Committee.  Prior to this Mark worked for international contractors in the design, construction, financing and maintenance of projects including 10 years at ALSTOM and three years at UGL. 

 

 

 

Ash Albury - Executive Director, Planning and Communities

Ash is Executive Director, Planning and Communities. With a focus on supporting regional communities through the transition to renewable energy, Ash is responsible for driving the strategic planning, land and property management, and community benefits across the first five renewable energy zones in NSW. 

Ash is passionate about his role overseeing a once-in-a-lifetime generational shift to renewable energy in NSW. He has a strong track record for supporting economic growth, capacity-building and developing policy frameworks. 

His experience working and living in regional NSW has equipped him with extensive knowledge of the strengths, challenges and opportunities of communities within regional NSW. 

Chloe Hicks - Executive Director, Strategy and Policy

Chloe Hicks is Executive Director, Strategy and Policy. Chloe is responsible for driving EnergyCo’s corporate and business strategy, strategic policy and advice, and regulatory processes. 

Chloe has extensive experience and expertise in energy and government processes. She has been instrumental in delivering energy, water, and climate change policies in the state, including the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap and its enabling legislation. She is passionate about ensuring energy infrastructure is developed in a way that benefits consumers and regional communities, having designed the process for renewable energy zone implementation and delivery in NSW. 

 

 

 

 

Azaria Dobson, Executive Director of Project Interface and Strategic Coordination

Azaria Dobson is the Executive Director of Project Interface and Strategic Coordination at Energy Co. She is responsible for bringing together EnergyCo's complex internal and external program and project interfaces to support delivery of the state’s renewable energy zones as part of the Net Zero Roadmap for NSW. She plays a critical role in ensuring seamless coordination across multiple stakeholders, sectors, and projects, advancing NSW’s renewable energy transition. 

Azaria has over 15 years of experience in senior government roles focused on strategy, land use planning, and regional development. She has led the creation of regional plans for more than half of NSW, guiding the strategic direction for regional development and fostering economic resilience. High-impact projects that she has led include industrial precincts designed to foster innovation, circular economy practices, and industrial ecology. Her expertise in coordinating large infrastructure projects involves ensuring their alignment with state priorities and long-term sustainability goals. 

Fiona Cushing – Acting Chief Finance and Operations Officer

Fiona is Acting Chief Finance and Operations Officer and is responsible for EnergyCo’s financial operations, commercial, procurement, governance, risk and compliance. She plays a key role in ensuring there is funding certainty and appropriate risk management across EnergyCo’s operations while supporting the efficient delivery of major projects.

Fiona has over 25 years of experience across government and infrastructure and has held executive leadership positions including as Chief Financial Officer at Hunter Water Corporation, the Greater Cities Commission and multiple agencies in the former Department of Planning and Environment. Fiona has also served as a Board Member of the State Archives and Records Authority of NSW. Fiona is passionate about improving financial and economic management, governance and enabling services and making a difference for the State and the Hunter Region where she lives.

Fiona is a Fellow of the Certified Practicing Accountants of Australia, a Graduate of the Institute of Company Directors and has a Bachelor of Science and a Masters in Accounting.