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.
A further 3 members of the board will be appointed in the coming months.
Steve Rieniets, Chair
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 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.
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 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.
Page last updated: 18/11/25
