Ark Energy is pleased to announce that Dr. Vijay Pradhan has been appointed as the company's new Chief Executive Officer.

The appointment follows Vijay serving as a strategic advisor and Chief Operating Officer since early 2025, overseeing departments for development, project delivery, operations, engineering and technical.

Vijay brings over 30 years of global experience across greenfield and brownfield engineering, construction and operations in the energy, mining and mineral processing sectors, spanning 17 countries. His expertise covers the full value chain from resource to recovery, and includes energy transition, engineering and technology management, operations management, project execution, safety and risk management, continuous improvement and strategic planning.

Vijay said he is enthusiastic to lead Ark Energy into its next phase:

“I am honoured to step into this new role, especially at such an exciting time for Ark Energy.

“Over the past couple of years, under the stewardship of Chief Executive Officer Michael Choi, Ark Energy has transitioned successfully from primarily a developer of investor-partnered projects to a portfolio dominated by operating and build-to-own projects. Our structure has evolved to support strategic objectives and operational delivery.

“In the coming months we will reach major milestones including commencing construction of our first build to own project, the Richmond Valley Solar Farm and BESS in northern NSW, and full operation of our pilot green hydrogen facility, the SunHQ Hydrogen Hub in North Queensland.

“The business is in an enviable position, with a highly skilled and focused team and poised to continue developing our capabilities, execute our priority projects and pursue strategic opportunities.”

Former Chief Executive Officer Michael Choi leaves Ark Energy to prepare to take over the role of Chief Executive Officer for another Korea Zinc subsidiary, Sun Metals Corporation in Townsville, and continues as a director of Korea Zinc’s Australian entities including Ark Energy.

Founded in 2021, Ark Energy has grown to become one of Australia’s leading utility-scale renewable energy companies. Its development portfolio includes the Boomer Green Energy Hub and Collinsville Green Energy Hub in Queensland, and the Richmond Valley Solar Farm & Battery Energy Storage System and Bowmans Creek Wind Farm & Battery Energy Storage System in NSW. Operating projects include Sun Metals Solar Farm and the SunHQ Hydrogen Hub near Townsville, a 30% share of the MacIntyre Wind Farm in south-east Queensland, and several smaller solar energy generation assets in the Northern Territory.