William Pickering Award for Leadership - Dr Doug Heffernan

William Pickering Award for Leadership - Dr Doug Heffernan

Dr Doug Heffernan was awarded the William Pickering Award for Engineering Leadership at the 2014 New Zealand Engineering Excellence Awards, held at Auckland’s Pullman Hotel last night.

“Dr Heffernan has made an enormous contribution to the electricity industry – both in New Zealand and overseas,” Chief Panel Judge, Steve Reindler, notes.

Dr Heffernan’s served as Chief Executive of Mighty River Power, where he created the model that has taken the State-owned Enterprise into mixed ownership and helped implement long-term plans for strategic development.

“During his 16 years at Mighty River Power, Dr Heffernan had to navigate major challenges including the provision of secure and sustainable sources of energy. This led to the growth of geothermal energy in New Zealand as an ideal supplement to hydroelectricity and has led to investment in geothermal developments internationally,” Mr Reindler adds.

Dr Heffernan has considered alternative technologies since the 1980s, including alternative power like wave and wind, and has also supported several companies through mergers to corporatisation, developing national companies into global players.

The William Pickering Award for Engineering Leadership recognises an engineer who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and acts as a role model for other engineers.

ENDS

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