The Clean Energy Council (CEC) has appointed Jackie Trad, former Deputy Premier of Queensland, as its new CEO. She takes over from Kane Thornton, who led the council for more than ten years. The CEC represents Australia’s renewable energy industry, including developers, generators, and suppliers, and plays a key role in shaping the sector’s future.

Trad served many years as deputy premier and treasurer of Queensland, and also spent many years in government. She has worked directly with communities, businesses, and local leaders. The council expects her experience to help guide Australia’s renewable energy sector as it grows and faces new challenges.

For businesses and HR teams, Trad’s appointment highlights several important areas. With renewable energy projects expanding, the demand for skilled workers is likely to rise, making recruitment, training, and reskilling key priorities. At the same time, engagement with communities and local stakeholders will become more critical, particularly for regional projects and partnerships with Indigenous groups. People teams will have a central role in ensuring projects are successful and welcomed by the communities they affect.

Trad’s background in government also indicates that policy and regulation will remain central to the council’s work. Organisations in the sector may need to stay alert to changes and prepare their teams to adapt as new policies are introduced.

Trad’s appointment signals a new chapter for the CEC, with a stronger focus on people, communities, and practical leadership. For businesses and leaders, it is a reminder that investing in people, skills, and relationships is vital to support a fair and sustainable energy transition.