Lilliss joins Ampcontrol from energy network EnergyAustralia where he was most recently executive general manager of transmission, engineering and technology.

While at Energy Australia, Lilliss was responsible for expanding and maintaining the company’s electrical distribution network, and he led the successful $A100 million bid to the federal government for the Smart Grid Smart City initiative, which is regarded as the national strategy leader in the Intelligent Electricity network.

This initiative will establish the strategy for the utilities industry for the 21st century.

Lilliss also directed the $5 billion capital investment program in the transmission, sub-transmission and distribution networks covering EnergyAustralia’s geography.

“The board is very pleased to welcome Geoff to Ampcontrol and are confident his experience and expertise will provide leadership to develop the company’s portfolio for sustainable growth,” Ampcontrol chairman Bob Humphris said.

“In this role, Geoff will focus on enabling continuous innovation, enhancement of the company’s technical competencies and commitment to customer relationships. He will also work closely with the board to shape the company’s business model and drive its implementation across the organisation.”

Lilliss will begin at Ampcontrol in January 2011. Until this time, group manager of the electronics division Rod Henderson will continue as acting CEO.

“The board would like to acknowledge Rod and commend him for the ongoing provision of operational integrity as well as recognise the senior management team for their contribution and support during this transition period,” Humphris said.

Dr Alan Broadfoot resigned as CEO and managing director of Ampcontrol after a career with the company spanning 19 years.

Broadfoot, who started with Ampcontrol as chief engineer in 1991, stepped down from his executive positions and the Ampcontrol boards at the end of June 2010.

During Broadfoot’s time at the helm of the Ampcontrol group of companies, turnover doubled and employee numbers increased from 250 in 2002 to more than 800 in 2010.

Broadfoot drove expansion into international markets and, in the past three years, Ampcontrol acquired businesses in the UK, South Africa, Russia and Hong Kong. The company now has 24 operations across the world.

Operating since 1968 and with 24 operations around the world, the Ampcontrol Group is a leading international supplier of electrical and electronic products to the power, energy and mining sectors.