Essential Services Commission appoints Sarah Sheppard as CEO

The Essential Services Commission has appointed Sarah Sheppard as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) following a competitive executive recruitment search.

Currently serving as acting CEO of the commission, Sarah brings extensive regulatory experience across the Commonwealth and Victorian public sectors as well as several years’ experience practising law in the private sector. Sarah spent a decade at the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission focussed on infrastructure regulation, the promotion of competition and the protection of Australian consumers. She has also held senior roles in Commonwealth Treasury as well as the Victorian public service. Sarah joined the commission as Executive Director of Energy in April 2021.

Commission chairperson Kate Symons says Sarah’s qualifications, experience, and leadership qualities will be invaluable in achieving the commission’s strategic priorities and leading its day-to-day operations. 

“Sarah’s commitment and contribution to delivering positive change for Victorian consumers is evident in her leadership of the critical energy sector regulatory reform work the commission has embarked upon in recent years,” Commissioner Symons said. 

“On behalf of my fellow commissioners, we offer our congratulations to Sarah and look forward to working with Sarah and her executive team across our regulated sectors to deliver better essential services for all Victorians.”

Sarah has been acting CEO since 10 June 2023 and is taking a well-deserved break in September ahead of commencing in the permanent CEO role from 3 October. Executive Director of Price, Monitoring and Regulation Marcus Crudden will be acting CEO during this period.