MEDIA RELEASE
Friday 19 December 2025
The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) is pleased to appoint its new Board of Directors, marking a major milestone for diversity, leadership and industry representation in Australia’s rapidly growing clean transport sector.
The new Board brings together senior leaders from the automotive, energy, finance, charging infrastructure, technology and community sectors, reflecting the depth and maturity of Australia’s EV ecosystem. For the first time, women hold the majority of Board positions, an achievement that stands out in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
Incoming and returning Board members include:
- Chau Le (Chair) – General Manager, E-Mobility, Origin
- Tim Burdon (Deputy Chair) – Executive Manager, Cars & Home Energy, Commonwealth Bank
- Jane Butler – General Manager, Electrification & Innovation, AGL
- Vicki Slavina – Chief Operating Officer, JOLT
- Mary Ellen (Nell) Payne – COO, NRMA Energy
- Claire Painter – GM Corporate & Regulatory Affairs, JET Charge
- Vida Cheeseman – Head of Corporate Communications, Endeavour Energy
- Scott Maynard – Managing Director, Polestar Australia & New Zealand
- Thom Drew – Country Director, Tesla Australia & New Zealand
- Sam McLean – Energy Future Foundation
- Julie Delvecchio – EVC CEO.
EVC CEO, Julie Delvecchio said the new Board reflects the Council’s commitment to accelerating electrification across Australia.
“Our refreshed EVC Board collectively bring deep expertise across the EV industry ranging from car and truck manufacturers, energy companies, charging businesses and much more,” Ms Delvecchio said.
“Australia’s EV transition is now moving from early adopters to the mainstream, and the next phase requires a clear and proactive policy approach, rapid infrastructure rollout and enhanced consumer confidence.
“This Board brings the leadership and unity needed to strengthen our role in driving a coordinated, national shift towards clean transport.”
EVC Board Chair, Chau Le said it was an exciting time to be involved in the clean transport sector.
“The EV industry is growing and the EVC is the industry’s leading voice – its expertise and relationships with government and industry are shaping that future.
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EVC Board Director Profiles:
Chau Le (Chair) – Leads Origin’s E-mobility division; established one of Australia’s most comprehensive EV customer platforms spanning leasing, charging, V2G and energy solutions. Director since 2021.
Tim Burdon (Deputy Chair) – Leads EV financing, energy-upgrade programs and OEM partnerships at CommBank, connecting financial solutions with Australia’s emerging EV ecosystem.
Jane Butler – AGL executive with two decades in energy, renewables and innovation; currently driving transport electrification initiatives at national scale.
Vida Cheeseman – Corporate affairs and energy-network executive at Endeavour Energy; expert in stakeholder engagement, electrification policy and social licence.
Thom Drew – Tesla’s Country Director for Australia & NZ; a decade leading Tesla’s sales, delivery and ownership experience, plus former FCAI board representative.
Scott Maynard – Managing Director of Polestar ANZ; 25+ years in automotive leadership across major luxury and EV brands including Audi, Jaguar Land Rover and BYD.
Sam McLean – Policy and government relations leader representing the Energy Future Foundation; former Tesla government relations head and long-standing climate policy advocate.
Claire Painter – Senior regulatory and policy leader at JET Charge, shaping national charging standards, market design, and OEM collaboration across the EV ecosystem.
Mary Ellen (Nell) Payne – COO of NRMA Energy, overseeing Australia’s national charging rollout; engineering, policy and operational transformation specialist with deep government partnerships experience.
Vicki Slavina – Global COO of JOLT, with leadership experience across high-growth tech, sustainability and international operations; previously McKinsey Associate Partner.
Contact details:
Todd Hayward - 0412 205 151
