Essential Energy has announced the appointment of Kate Pounder and Michelle Lawson as new non-executive directors, each commencing a three-year term on 6 June 2025.

Kate Pounder is a technology policy expert and senior executive who has worked across the public, private and non-profit sectors. Kate was the inaugural CEO of the Tech Council of Australia, the peak group representing Australia’s tech ecosystem. She also serves on the boards of several organisations, including RNA Australia, the NSW Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences (Powerhouse) and the Tech Policy Design Institute.

Before the TCA, Kate was a Managing Director at Accenture and AlphaBeta Advisers, specialising in strategy and analytics, and a consultant at McKinsey & Company specialising in the public sector.

Prior to her consulting work, Kate spent 15 years working in technology policy roles with the Australian Industry Group, National ICT Australia (NICTA), Network Ten and the Australian Government. Kate holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours), majoring in international studies and politics, from the University of Adelaide.

Michelle Lawson is a senior finance executive with experience across a variety of industries and sectors, including private and non-profit organisations. She is currently the Chief Financial Officer and Diocesan Financial Administrator for the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, a role she commenced earlier in 2025. Michelle’s current board appointments include Banksia Villages and the Australasian Institute of Mining & Metallurgy. Michelle also serves as an independent external member of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee for the Central Coast Council.

Previously, Michelle held several executive roles in mining and infrastructure, including senior financial roles for Glencore and Coal & Allied Industries. She began her career as an accountant with Ernst & Young followed by Coopers & Lybrand (now PWC). Michelle holds a Bachelor of Commerce in accounting from James Cook University.

Essential Energy’s Chair, Doug Halley said he was delighted to welcome Ms Pounder and Ms Lawson to the Board and looked forward to their contribution. Mr Halley said “Kate and Michelle have considerable experience in technology and sectors in transition. This is directly relevant to Essential Energy and its role in the energy transition.”