The NGC board announced today its current chief executive Phil James would leave the company at the end of February, when Crawford would formally take the reins of the major NZ energy player.

James - who was appointed NGC chief executive in 2002 - said he had thoroughly enjoyed his time at NGC.

“It has been a pleasure working with a strong and dedicated team to successfully reposition NGC in the energy infrastructure sector and to set a very sound framework for its future growth. I have every confidence that NGC’s businesses will continue to flourish under Bryan’s leadership.”

Newly-appointed NGC chairman (and Vector chairman) Michael Stiassny said James had made an outstanding contribution to NGC and that Crawford’s commercial experience would be a good fit for NGC.

“Bryan’s substantial experience in the gas and oil industries stands him in very good stead for this role. Not only has he earned an excellent reputation as a commercially astute executive, Bryan is also recognised as an innovative, savvy leader who has achieved some outstanding results throughout his career.

“The board is looking forward to working closely with Bryan when he takes up his role.”

Crawford has over 20 years’ experience in New Zealand and overseas, and before joining Vector was marketing manager at UnitedNetworks, which was acquired by Vector, in conjunction with Powerco, last year.