Changes to the Contact Energy Board of Directors

14 June 2018


Changes to the Contact Energy Board of Directors

Contact Energy (Contact) announces the resignation of Sir Ralph Norris from the Board
of Directors and the appointment of a new Chairman. With effect from 1 September 2018
Rob McDonald, currently a director of Contact will be Chairman. Sir Ralph’s decision has
been made knowing the Board’s unanimous confidence in Rob to lead Contact as
Chairman. (A short biography for Rob can be found below.)

The Contact Board has been formally considering Board succession planning. A
comprehensive assessment and search, facilitated by an external search firm, has
assisted the Board with this process. It is expected that Contact will appoint new
Directors over the coming months to fill the gaps left by the resignation of Sir Ralph and
the previously announced resignation of Sue Sheldon.

Whaimutu Dewes, who has led the succession planning process on behalf of the Board
said, “The Directors are delighted to appoint Rob as our Chairman. To have such a high
calibre director already on the Board, willing to step into Sir Ralph’s shoes, is a
testament to Sir Ralph.”

Sir Ralph Norris was appointed to the Board of Contact in 2015 and immediately
appointed as Chair of the Board. Sir Ralph was integral to the establishment of the
refreshed Board after the sell down by Origin Energy. Sir Ralph will stand down having
successfully transitioned Contact from a majority owned company to a widely held
company that continues to perform strongly and has clear strategic direction.

Sir Ralph Norris, outgoing Chairman of Contact said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time
at Contact. I am leaving it in the knowledge that the culture and customer focus that I
firmly believe are at the heart of successful companies have improved significantly and
the company is in good shape. The Board have made an excellent choice in appointing
Rob as Chairman.”

Rob McDonald, Chair elect of Contact said, “I am very much looking forward to leading
Contact as Chairman of the Board. The Board, CEO, and Leadership Team are aligned
on our strategy and plans. I look forward to engaging with many of our shareholders and
stakeholders over the coming months.”

Dennis Barnes, CEO of Contact said, “I’d like to thank Ralph on behalf of the Leadership
Team, employees and all our stakeholders for leading Contact at a pivotal time in
Contact’s history. Our strategic direction is clear and the Leadership Team and all
employees at Contact will keep our relentless attention on delivering.”


For further information please contact:

Investor enquiries:
Matthew Forbes
Investor Relations Manager
+64 21 072 8578

Media enquiries:
Jason Krupp
Communications Advisor
+64 21 701 898

Rob McDonald Biography

Rob’s career spans over 30 years, having worked overseas before joining Coopers and
Lybrand in the corporate advisory and valuations practice in 1985. Rob retired as Chief
Financial Officer after a hugely successful period at Air New Zealand navigating many
challenges and driving a high performing airline. Rob is widely regarded by the capital
markets for his time at Air New Zealand. He is a director of Chartered Accountants
Australia and New Zealand. He is a former board member of the Institute of Finance
Professionals New Zealand Inc. and the former vice chairman of the IATA Financial
Committee. Rob has a Bachelor of Commerce from Auckland University and in 1999
completed the Program of Management Development at Harvard Business School. He is
a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.