Powerco has appointed a new Tauranga-based general manager for people, safety, and culture.

Craig Stewart will lead a newly formed team bringing together people strategy, organisational development, culture, and health and safety.

Powerco is a New Zealand gas and electricity distributor.

Stewart said he was excited about the new role and to continue supporting Powerco’s focus on being a “high-performing, safety-led and values-driven organisation”.

“Working with great people and watching them achieve is a huge motivator for me.

“Bringing together people, safety, and culture creates a real opportunity to strengthen how we support our teams and enable them to do their best work.”

Stewart joined Powerco in 2022 as head of health and safety.

He has a Master of Occupational Health and Safety, a Master of Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy.

Stewart previously worked in ports, rail, finance, and health sectors in New Zealand and internationally.

His experience includes leading large-scale organisational change, stakeholder engagement, governance, and developing high-performing teams in complex, high-risk environments.

Chief executive Jason Franklin said the new role was important to supporting Powerco’s strategy and future growth.

“This is a critical role in helping us realise our potential and achieve our vision of being Aotearoa New Zealand’s most customer-focused infrastructure owner and operator.”