Energy Minister Pete Hodgson today announced the appointment of Ford, who is Watercare Services chief executive, and thanked Underhill, chief executive of Waikato electricity lines company WEL Networks, for his enthusiasm and vision as EECA chairperson since June 2000.

Ford, a member of the executive council of the New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development, has previously held senior positions in the petroleum industry in Europe and the United States, as well as being New Zealand Forestry Corporation chief executive and New Zealand Timberlands managing director.

"EECA is the lead agency implementing the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy, which is crucial for New Zealand's progress towards a sustainable energy future. I am sure that Mr Ford's leadership and strategic skills will help EECA build on its achievements," Hodgson said.