New chair at Drive Electric
Drive Electric’s board has announced that Kirsten Corson has been appointed as its chair.
Her appointment was made after incumbent Mark Gilbert announced in September his retirement from the board after 11 years effective from December 31.
Corson, pictured above, has a long-standing commitment to the electrification of mobility, co-founding Zilch, Carbn Asset Management and Sustainable Fleet Finance.
She was chair of Carbn Group Holdings and is currently executive director of Zilch and chair of south Auckland-based Totara Hospice.
Eric Pellicer, pictured below, has been appointed as deputy chair. He is general manager of business development at PowerCo.
Corson says: “It’s a privilege to take on the role of chair from Mark Gilbert. His foresight and leadership have been truly valued by the membership and industry.
“When it comes to electrification, New Zealand has achieved so much in a short space of time, but now is the time to accelerate momentum.
“New Zealand stands to gain so much by electrifying mobility. This will drive down household energy bills, end our reliance on imported fossil fuels and contribute massively to our efforts on climate change.
“As chair, my first priority will be working with the incoming government. We need to keep incentivising people to get into electric cars because ultimately this will save us all money. We also need a charging network that underpins this technology – in homes, workplaces and throughout towns and cities. These are two immediate priorities.
“I look forward to working with our membership, stakeholders and partners in government to achieve a fully electric transport system in New Zealand. It’s not going to be easy, but in many respects we’ve done the hardest part – we’ve started. Now let’s go further, faster and emissions-free.”
Gilbert says: “I am delighted the board has unanimously voted to appoint Kirsten and Eric. Since joining the board, Kirsten has brought a real drive to our mission to accelerate e-mobility.
“I admire her passion for electrification and her ability to get things done. The board is in excellent hands with Kirsten’s experience, commercial nous and dedication.
“Kirsten will be ably supported by Eric as deputy chair. He has been on the Drive Electric board since 2016. He has overseen our policy and strategy areas and has demonstrated commitment to our mission. Eric’s strategic mind and energy-sector experience have added real value to the board.
“Congratulations to them both and I wish them all the best. After 11 years at the helm, I’m pleased to see the organisation continue under these two leaders.”
