AGL staffer for top job at Natural Gas

By Phil Boeyen, ShareChat Business News Editor

Wednesday 28th November 2001

Natural Gas Corporation (NZSE: NCH) has appointed a long-time Australian Gas Light executive as its new chief executive.

NGC says Phil James is currently working as a manager with one of AGL's sales and marketing units and will take over the top job from John Barton at the beginning of next year.

Mr Barton, who has been in charge during the company's troubled foray into electricity retailing this winter, is returning to Australia to live.

NGC chairman, Greg Martin, says Phil James is an excellent choice to assume the leadership of the company at this time.

"He is a very experienced manager with solid experience in both the gas and electricity sectors. He is very much a 'hands on' manager with proven leadership skills as well as a strong technical background.

"Except for his early days in the Australian Army, Phil has spent his whole career in the energy industry, initially in his own business, then for the last twenty years with The Australian Gas Light Company."

Mr James' previous positions with AGL include General Manager Customer Services, Sales Manager and Marketing Manager. He also has experience in managing a number of AGL's smaller utility businesses, including AGL Western and AGL Canberra.

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