Dr Marcos Pelenur has been appointed the new Chief Executive of EECA (the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority).

Dr Pelenur previously held the role of Group Manager Strategy Insights and Regulations at EECA and is returning to New Zealand after two years based in Ottawa, Canada – where he is Head of Sustainability and Decarbonisation at The Behavioural Insights Team.

He will replace the current Chief Executive, Andrew Caseley, who has been at EECA since January 2017, and is remaining in the role until Dr Pelenur formally steps in on the 11th of September.

Elena Trout, EECA Board Chair, said the Board are delighted to welcome Dr Pelenur back into the EECA family.

“Marcos has a deep knowledge of, and interest in, EECA’s mission – to mobilise New Zealanders to be world leaders in clean and clever energy use,” said Trout.

“His broad experience in energy efficiency, decarbonisation and sustainability means he will hit the ground running at what is a critical time for New Zealand’s transition to a low-emissions economy.

“He has a strong track record in evidence-based programme design and a reputation for strategic thinking.

“His background in the application of behavioural insights across the private and public sector will also benefit EECA greatly.”

Prior to joining EECA, Dr Pelenur worked in several policy leadership positions at the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE), and headed the Behavioural Insights Team’s work on energy and sustainability in the UK. He also guest lectured at Victoria University.

“I’m incredibly excited at the opportunity to return to EECA,” said Pelenur.

“What stands out for me about this role is the breadth of EECA’s functions – from administering technical energy performance standards and regulations right through to support for businesses and Kiwi households.

“I am looking forward to getting stuck into meeting the teams, and partners, who are working hard to help make EECA’s mission a reality.”

Dr Pelenur completed a PhD in Engineering at the University of Cambridge following his role as a Project Engineer and Manager for an Auckland based, global, smart metering and energy management company.

Dr Pelenur is a Chartered Professional Member of Engineering New Zealand and is registered as a Chartered Engineer with the UK Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).