Z Energy announces leadership transition

Z Energy (Z) today announced that Chief Executive Lindis Jones has decided to step down later this year after 16 years with the business, including almost four years as Chief Executive.

Z has appointed experienced international energy and retail executive Debi Boffa as its next Chief Executive. Debi will join Z at the end of September and, following a transition period, will formally assume the role on 9 November.

Lindis will remain with the business until early December to support a smooth leadership transition.

Lindis said it had been a privilege to lead Z through a period of significant change and growth.

“Leading Z has been one of the great privileges of my career. Together, we have strengthened the business, become part of the Ampol Group, navigated some significant challenges and built a clear strategy for the future. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved.

“What I will take with me most, though, is the privilege of working alongside so many talented people who care deeply about our customers, each other and New Zealand.

“After 16 years with the business, I have decided the time is right for me to step aside and allow a new leader to take Z through its next chapter. It has been a carefully considered decision, and I do so with enormous confidence in the team at Z and across the Ampol Gorup. I remain excited about the future of the business and the opportunities ahead.”

Debi Boffa joins Z following a successful international career across the energy, retail and convenience sectors, including senior leadership roles with bp, TravelCenters of America and Thorntons.

Debi said she was excited to join a company with a strong customer focus, a trusted Kiwi brand and an important role in communities across New Zealand.

“What attracted me to Z is the combination of great people, a strong culture and a business that has such an important role to play in the lives of its customers and communities. I’ve admired Z for many years and the way it has continued to evolve as the energy landscape and customer needs have changed.

“My focus initially will be on listening, learning and understanding what makes Z special. The people closest to customers and day-to-day operations have the best insights, and I’m looking forward to working alongside the team to build on the strong foundations already in place and shape the next chapter."

Debi said the future presented significant opportunities for both Z and New Zealand’s transport energy sector.

“Customer needs are evolving, technology is creating new possibilities, and the energy landscape continues to change.

“What excites me is that Z is well positioned to meet those changes. It has great people, strong foundations and a clear sense of purpose. I approach this opportunity with optimism, curiosity and a genuine desire to listen as we continue creating value for customers and supporting New Zealand’s energy future.”

Lindis said his immediate focus was continuing to lead the business supporting a successful transition.

“There is still important work to do, and my priority over the coming months is helping Debi make a strong start and ensuring Z continues to deliver for its customers, partners and stakeholders.

“I am excited about the future of the business and look forward to seeing Z continue to thrive.”

ENDS

Debi Boffa Biography

Debi Boffa is an internationally experienced energy and retail executive with more than 28 years’ experience across New Zealand, Australia and the United States. Her career has spanned energy, retail, operations, logistics and business transformation, with a consistent focus on customers, people, safety and sustainable long-term growth.

Most recently, Debi served as CEO of TravelCenters of America (TA), part of the bp portfolio, where she led the business through its integration into bp and the next stage of its growth. Following her return to New Zealand, she was appointed Interim CEO and Integration Manager at Orbit World Travel, where she led the amalgamation of multiple regional businesses and guided the newly combined organisation through its initial stabilisation phase.

Prior to TA, Debi was President and CEO of Thorntons LLC and President of bp’s Retail Operating Organisation in the United States. In those roles, she led the integration of bp’s ampm business with Thorntons and oversaw a network of more than 1,200 convenience stores. Earlier in her career, she served as Managing Director and Head of Country for bp New Zealand, leading bp’s downstream fuels and convenience retail business.

Across her career, Debi has built a reputation for building high-performing teams and leading successfully through periods of significant change, while maintaining a strong focus on customers, people and performance. Her experience leading customer-focused businesses through change across the energy and convenience sectors positions her well to guide Z as it continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of its customers.

She holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Natural Resources) with Honours from the University of Canterbury and has completed executive leadership programmes through the Kellogg School of Management and INSEAD.