David Prentice

Background

About David Prentice

Prior to my current role, most recently, I was Chief Executive of NZ Windfarms with a key focus on leading the $650m repower of Te Rere Hau windfarm as part of a joint venture with Meridian Energy. Subsequently led the negotiation and sale of NZ Windfarms to Meridian Energy through a Scheme Implementation Agreement where Meridian acquired all the shares in NZ Windfarms at a premium of 107% to NZ Windfarms’ share price.Prior to this role, I was the inaugural Chief Executive of Manawa Energy and before that, was Chief Executive and Director of Trustpower. During this time, I led the strategic review process to explore the potential of selling the Trustpower mass market retail business which following a competitive market process, was sold for $441 million to Mercury at a proforma standalone FY-21 EBITDAF multiple of circa 9 times. I led the establishment of the remaining hydro generation and new development business which including the subsequent rebranding to Manawa Energy. Prior to the role at Trustpower, I was appointed as Chair of the Interim Committee for Climate Change – an independent body tasked with providing evidence and analysis on agriculture and renewable electricity generation that was subsequently passed onto the Climate Change Commission.Between 2010 and 2017, I was Chief Executive and Managing Director of Opus International Consultants as well as non-independent and executive Director on the Opus Board.I led the development of the Company Strategic Plan and expanded Opus’s strategic investment in core capabilities and business diversification. Opus’ employee numbers grew from 2,365 to in over ~80 offices globally, international markets were extended through the acquisition of four companies, and the company’s annual net revenue increased by 25% to over $500m.I subsequently promoted the acquisition of Opus by global professional services company WSP in 2017 to enable the next growth phase. WSP acquired all Opus shares with a payment to shareholders of $1.92 per share, achieving a 94% premium above market value for Opusshareholders at a trailing EBITDA multiple of 9.3.