PNG Power Limited (PPL) has a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), a New Zealand national who brings a vast knowledge and experience to the management to the state-owned electricity company. The new CEO, Mr. Paul Bayly, was appointed through the National Executive Council (NEC) Decision No. 281 of 2024. His appointment comes as a relief to PNG Power because this State-Owned Enterprise has been without a permanent appointment since 2023. This appointment fills a critical leadership gap and brings much needed stability to the Office of the CEO which has undergone several acting appointments since 2023. Mr. Bayly will assume his role as CEO once all required work permit and visa approvals are secured, and he is committed to leading the transformative changes needed for PNG Power. His arrival comes at a pivotal time for PNG Power, as the company faces persistent financial difficulties and power reliability issues that have impeded its growth and operational efficiency. The incoming CEO understands the core function of PNG Power as a fully integrated power company responsible for generation, transmission, distribution and retailing of electricity throughout the country. Having had past experiences within struggling power companies facing similar problems that confront PNG Power and with a high turnaround rate in steering those troubled companies onto the path for recovery and financial stability, Mr. Bayly is well prepared to take on the challenges that await him as the CEO. Mr. Bayly’s career spans both civilian and military domains, showcasing his adaptability and leadership prowess. He has a track record of proven leadership skills to empower and motivate organizations, both in the civilian and military environment. He has held CEO positions across a range of organizations including the British Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (appointed by the British Government), Permanent Secretary of the Fiji Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, and Managing Director of Cranleigh, an investment bank with offices in New Zealand, Australia and Singapore. Also, with Mr. Bayly’s experience as a former Colonel in the New Zealand Army with operational experience in East Timor, Lebanon and Syria, speaks of his leadership and exposure to multi-cultural environments which is crucial for a company like PNG Power whose environment is culturally engrained and requires strong leadership to steer the company forward whilst dealing with the workforce challenges. Mr. Bayly’s extensive experience is a testament to his capabilities, and his strong background in infrastructure, management, policy, planning, and financing places him well for the role of CEO. The PNG Power Board and Management are confident that Mr. Bayly’s leadership will be instrumental in addressing the company’s ongoing challenges and steering it toward financial recovery and operational stability. The Board and Management of PNG Power Ltd also take this opportunity to appreciate the past and present gentlemen who have held acting positions in the Office of the CEO. “We thank the Marape-Rosso Government for its continued support and trust in the Board and Management despite these challenging times, in facilitating the appointment of the permanent CEO of PNG Power Ltd. The journey to recovery continues and is only strengthened with the appointment of the CEO,” said the PNG Board and Management. The PNG Power Ltd Board on 23 March 2025 executed on behalf of the PNG Power Ltd & Management, the CEO’s Contract.