Edison is pleased to welcome Derek Todd as a Principal Project Manager, based in Dunedin. Derek joined the team in August, bringing with him a wealth of experience across the energy and infrastructure sectors.
Over a career spanning several decades, Derek has held senior roles with organisations including United Networks, Aurora (contracted by Delta), and Counties Power (now Counties Energy). More recently, he was the Head of Southern at WSP. Derek’s background includes energy sector consulting, asset management, project delivery, and leadership of large and complex infrastructure programmes.
For Derek, joining Edison is a return to the industry he is most passionate about.
“I’ve spent the last seven years in large, predominantly civil infrastructure projects, but I missed the energy sector. There’s so much opportunity in energy technologies and future networks right now, and I’m excited to get back to working on projects that make a real impact in this complex environment.”
Already contributing to projects with Transpower and MainPower, Derek is applying his programme management and advisory expertise while also supporting business development in the South Island. Having worked alongside Edison throughout his career, he says the move felt like a natural next step.
“I’ve known Edison for many years and always admired the team’s practical and straight-up approach to solving client problems. The depth of expertise here is outstanding, and that was a big part of why I wanted to join.”
With a track record spanning electricity generators, distributors, and significant infrastructure projects, Derek understands the challenges clients face and how to deliver solutions that work. His appointment reflects Edison’s commitment to growing its South Island presence. “It’s an exciting opportunity to help expand Edison’s footprint in the South, while also contributing to projects across the country where my experience can add value quickly.”
Away from work, Derek enjoys competitive amateur golf, hi-fi music and vinyl, and life on a five-acre lifestyle block just outside Dunedin, where sheep keep the grass down and the vegetable patch keeps the family well stocked. He and his wife, a quality manager, have two daughters – one a neuroscientist at Oxford University, and the other a junior paediatric doctor in Wellington.
Derek’s appointment represents a significant opportunity for our clients. His combination of technical depth, leadership, and authenticity will enhance the delivery of projects across the South Island and beyond.
