Our management team

As an electrical engineer with over 25 years’ experience in the utility sector, Russell has significant experience in strategy, management, risk and operations with extensive knowledge of asset management, performance improvement and engineering. Prior to joining Top Energy in 2008, Russell was General Manager for Operations at WEL Networks where he led WEL’s Asset Management, Procurement and Field Services groups of over 150 staff. Prior to this Russell was a partner with UMS Group, a global utility management consulting group. Russell is a Chartered Electrical Engineer, has an honours degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, an MSc in Engineering Business Management and is a Fellow of the Institute of Engineering and Technology and Engineering NZ. He is also a member of the NZ Institute of Directors.

David leads the Contracting group, managing the internal Field Services group of over 60 staff who complete maintenance and capital works on the network as well as providing specialist external services. With 44 years’ experience in the distribution sector, which started in 1975 with the Auckland Electric Power Board, David has extensive Distribution and Contracting management experience with a high focus on safety and project delivery. Before joining Top Energy in 2017, David was the Technical Manager for Downer in Tauranga coordinating the technical aspects of their electrical business throughout New Zealand. Prior to this David was the Eastern Manager for Tenix in the Bay of Plenty. David holds an NZCE in Electrical Engineering and is also a registered Distribution Line Mechanic.

Ian has 48 years experience in the electrical industry, including 35 years in the distribution sector, which started in 1984 with Bay of Plenty Electricity Limited. Ian has Distribution Network and Contracting management experience with a focus on the safe construction and delivery of network programmes. Prior to joining Top Energy, Ian worked for Powernet in Invercargill as the Network Maintenance Manager, managing technical, distribution and vegetation staff in the planning and delivery of maintenance and construction. Ian also worked for Horizon Energy Limited in the Bay of Plenty as the Operations Manager then Contracting Manager, managing faults, maintenance and project delivery. Ian attended WINTEC in 2006 and is a Registered Electrical Inspector.