Mr Rod Welford

Managing Director, Integrated Resource Planners

Biography

Rod Welford is thought leader and global expert in resource-efficient use of energy and materials. As Queensland Minister for Environment and Heritage and Minister for Natural Resources (1998 - 2001), he spearheaded the State's Recycling Strategy and introduced eco-efficiency and renewable energy incentive programs after establishing Queensland's first Environmental Protection Agency which incorporated a specialist Sustainable Industries Division. After retiring from Parliament in 2009, he was CEO of the Australian Council of Recycling until 2013. He recently stepped down as Executive Chairman and CEO of Ensight Energy Solutions, a company which guides energy transformation programs to reduce operating costs of the world's largest resource sector companies. He oversaw Ensight's growth from seven to 70 staff in three years from 2013, ultimately winning the national Optus Business of the Year award in 2016. He now advises companies on energy cost management and the future of the Australian energy markets, and mentors emerging entrepreneurs in the energy and ICT sectors.