VicGrid is a state business corporation responsible for planning Victoria's electricity transmission network. We report to an independent board, appointed by the Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio.

Our board members bring deep expertise across energy, infrastructure, sustainability, finance and public policy and share our vision of delivering fairness and certainty for communities and industry.

Steve Rieniets, Chair

Steve Rieniets smiling

Steve is an experienced energy industry leader with over 35 years' experience managing major operations and infrastructure across Australia's energy sector.

He has held senior roles with AGL Energy and GDF SUEZ Australia, leading operations, renewable integration, asset decommissioning, site rehabilitation and major project delivery.

With deep roots in regional Victoria and a strong connection to farming, Steve brings a practical understanding of regional communities and land use. He is committed to advancing Australia's energy transition.

Steve holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) from Monash University, an MBA from Deakin University, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Sarah Clarke, Deputy Chair

Sarah Clarke smiling

Sarah leads the Mirvac sustainability strategy, This Changes Everything, and is also the Deputy Chair of Cladding Safety Victoria. She has helped organisations across multiple sectors and industries to be a force for good, including property, oil and gas, energy, carbon sequestration, public transport, and social policy.

Sarah received a Master of Arts (Professional and Applied Ethics) from the University of Melbourne.

She is a graduate of the University of Oxford Scenarios Programme, the McKinsey Executive Leadership Program, and the University of Cambridge Prince of Wales Business and Sustainability Leadership Program. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons, English) from James Cook University.

Jess Howard

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Jess is an experienced public sector leader currently working as Director of Healthy Communities and Environments at the City of Greater Bendigo.

She leads teams responsible for community partnerships, climate change and environment, emergency management, regulatory services, sport and recreation, health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion.

Jess holds a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She has held roles as the Director of Infrastructure and Development at Mount Alexander Shire Council, a law lecturer at Melbourne University, in private sector infrastructure consultancy and as an adviser to State Government.

Seona James

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Seona is a Yorta Yorta woman from Shepparton with 30 years' experience in the public and private sectors working across water, energy, environment and indigenous consultation.

She is the managing director of Indigenous Cultural Connections, which works to create culturally respectful consultation and workplaces.

Seona's previous board experience includes the Victorian Government Purchasing Board and the Victorian Aboriginal Economic Board. She also brings expertise from previous roles with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Linfox Logistics Australia and Australia Post.

David Stegehuis

 David Stegehuis

David has worked for more than 25 years in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Originally a chartered accountant, since 2000 he has cultivated a career spanning investment banking, institutional funds management and corporate-CFO roles.

His energy transition experience includes developing and managing large scale renewable energy generation assets, energy trading and retail, and managing energy transmission and distribution assets. He brings a rigorous investment mindset, and experience originating and managing major projects to VicGrid's Board.

David's previous board experience includes NSW Ports, Southern Cross Station, Ecogen Energy, Pacific Hydro and chairing the School Advisory Council for St Joseph's Malvern.

Kane Thornton

Kane Thornton

Kane has more than 2 decades' experience leading the transition of the Australian energy sector. He was previously Chief Executive of the Clean Energy Council, the peak body for the clean energy industry in Australia, where he advocated for and helped design the policies that have been critical to the renewable energy industry's growth.

He has been an active political and public advocate, spokesperson and trusted advisor to governments and the energy industry.

His previous roles include senior manager and advisor for Hydro Tasmania – Australia's largest generator of renewable energy – and executive officer of Renewable Energy Generators Australia.

Kane has broad international management experience having previously worked in technology, living and working in Asia. He has held a range of advisory and board roles with government and non-government organisations in the climate change and energy sector and was a non-executive director and Deputy Chair of Sustainability Victoria.

Kane is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has a Masters in Social Science and a Bachelor of Information Technology.

Wayne Weaire

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Wayne is an experienced director and former chief executive with 40 years' experience in governance and leadership and a focus on improving health outcomes across regional Victoria.

He is a farmer, clinical family therapist and a director of the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority. Wayne is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has been a chair and director in the community health sector, philanthropy and education throughout regional Victoria.

Wayne has a Bachelor of Theology from Trinity College, University of Melbourne, where he also studied Pastoral Counselling and Clinical Pastoral Care at the Austin Hospital. He is an ongoing Clinical Member of the Australian Association of Family Therapy and a member of Pacifica Congress, a professional organisation for legal and counselling professionals in the Family Law System.

Page last updated: 09/06/26