AFTER nine years in charge of one of the country’s leading energy suppliers, Craig Murray is looking
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forward to “semi-retirement”.
Earlier this year, the Country Energy managing director came to a conclusion: “Life is not a dress rehearsal. This is the main game.”
“A job like mine comes with a lot of stress,” Mr Murray said.
“It was time for renewal.
“A new look and a new approach is good for the organisation.”
After leading Country Energy since its inception nine years ago, the managing director has no doubts about what his legacy to the organisation will be.
The soon-to-be retired chief says instilling a sense
of customer service responsibility in the organisation, and a focus on giving people a fair go – within and outside the organisation – are his proud achievements.
After a career in the energy supply industry spanning close to two decades, Mr Murray will retire once a
suitable replacement is found.
Until then, the 64-year-old will remain on sick leave.
Recruitment specialist Watermark International is helping Country Energy find Mr Murray’s replacement.
“I am leaving Country Energy with a very positive feel,” Mr Murray said.
“The fundamentals are right.
“Our customer service is right and people in regional NSW have the same opportunities as people in
the cities for apprenticeships and traineeships in the organisation.”
Mr Murray was appointed Country Energy’s first
managing director when the organisation was born after three energy suppliers – Advance Energy, Great Southern Energy and North Power – amalgamated on July 1, 2001.
At the time, he was in charge of Advance Energy, based in the central western NSW town of Bathurst.
The board of Advance Energy, although the smaller
partner in the amalgamation, pushed hard for the merger, Mr Murray said.
“It became clear to the board we had to be much
larger to survive,” he said.
“At Advance, we had a good understanding of customer service and an understanding of the need to merge.”
Mr Murray’s initial appointment was for 12 months, but he has been in the position ever since.
Under Mr Murray’s stewardship, the energy provider has become Port Macquarie’s largest employer.
“There are tremendous facilities in Port Macquarie.
“You have to attract good staff, and Port Macquarie is fantastically family-friendly,” the father-of-two said.
Mr Murray’s decision to base many of the organisation’s divisions in Port Macquarie has benefited the town.
“Country Energy plays an important role in the Port Macquarie community,” he said.
“And we have worked hard to become an employer of choice.
“We can offer career structures to people without them having to move to Sydney or Melbourne.”
Mr Murray plans to keep busy in the future.
“I will continue my work as a trustee for the Energy Industry Superannuation Scheme and in my role on
the board of [superannuation company] Futureplus,” Mr Murray said.
“And I’ve noted a new council will be elected shortly.”
Retirement may not last too long after all.