He is set to take up the role of chief executive at Powerco, based in Wellington.
Powerco is New Zealand’s second-largest electricity and gas distributor, serving 1.1 million customers across 452,000 homes, businesses, and organisations in the North Island.
In a statement released by PowerNet yesterday, Mr Franklin was said to have made a significant impact in his role for more than a decade. PowerNet is based in Invercargill and is the country’s fourth-largest electricity management company, managing most of the electricity assets in southern New Zealand.
His tenure had been marked by strong leadership, commercial acumen, a steadfast commitment to workplace safety, and an ability to build lasting relationships, PowerNet said. This had contributed to his legacy at PowerNet.
Prior to joining PowerNet, he had a 14-year career with the Rio Tinto Group in roles across New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Australia. He began his career with the Electricity Corporation of New Zealand (ECNZ).
Mr Franklin serves on the board of Electricity Networks Aotearoa and SmartCo Ltd and has previously been a member of the executive committee of the Major Electricity Users Group and the Wholesale Advisory Group for the Electricity Authority.
He is also a director of SBS Bank Ltd and Great South.
He starts at PowerCo on April 28.
