NEWS RELEASE

Mercury appoints new Chief Operating Officer - Generation

25 March 2025 – Mercury NZ Limited has appointed Kevin Taylor as its Chief Operating Officer – Generation, with effect from 8 April 2025.

Kevin brings over 34 years of extensive experience within large industry, including expertise in operational excellence, risk management and safety leadership. Most recently he was the General Manager for Rio Tinto Pacific Operations. 

Mercury Chief Executive Stew Hamilton said Mr Taylor’s experience operating complex assets positioned him well to lead Mercury’s generation operations and support the company’s strategic goals of enhancing value and supporting the low carbon transition.

"Kevin’s proven success in complex operating environments was a key factor in his appointment. His technical knowledge combined with track record driving operational excellence, building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of safety will be invaluable to our ongoing focus on resilience and productivity of our people, assets and systems.”

Mr Taylor’s experience spans various leadership positions across New Zealand and Australia, including General Manager at Bell Bay Aluminium and Health, Safety and Environment General Manager at Rio Tinto Aluminium (Pacific).

As Chief Operating Officer – Generation, Mr Taylor will be responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of Mercury’s electricity generation assets, which last financial year produced about 8,780 GWh of renewable electricity, enough to power more than 1.2 million homes. 

As previously announced, Richard Hopkins will also join Mercury as the Chief Financial Officer on 14 April.

ENDS

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