NZ's newly named CIO of the Year on the leadership behind Contact Energy's transformation — and what he'll bring to the closing keynote for the upcoming The Strategy of Data, Analytics & AI Conference
During the judging process, when asked what had created the greatest impact for the least cost during his transformation of Contact Energy’s technology function, Tighe Wall, Chief Technology Officer at Contact Energy, didn’t point to a piece of technology. He talked about walking the talk, building trust before it was needed, and holding to strategy even when it cost him personally.
It’s that answer, as much as the results behind it, that earned him NZ CIO of the Year at our CIO Innovation Awards. And it’s the thread running through his closing keynote at The Strategy of Data, Analytics & AI Conference on 31 March 2027.
The transformation behind the Award
Tighe’s award recognises an enterprise-wide technology transformation at Contact Energy that has directly enabled the company’s five-year growth strategy. In just six years, he has unified ICT, data, digital and acquisition technology teams into a single high-performing function, while simultaneously driving AI adoption across generation, retail and corporate operations.
The results speak for themselves:
- 30% reduction in cost to serve
- Self-service adoption up from 30% to 80%
- Over 100,000 new customers added through a retail transformation, even as costs fell
- The development of Māpuna, an in-house geothermal management platform built on 70 years of proprietary operational data — something no off-the-shelf commercial tool could replicate
But what set Tighe apart from a strong field of finalists wasn’t just the numbers – it was the answer above, and a leadership style his colleagues describe in strikingly similar terms.
What his colleagues say
The impact of Tighe’s leadership is echoed by those who work alongside him:
"Tighe has led the broad transformation programme across the whole company, accelerating the efficiency and effectiveness of our business."
"Tighe drove a step-change in how technology creates value at Contact, turning innovation into real operational and commercial outcomes."
"Tighe is an inspiring leader who guides people with purpose. His passion for technology and energy creates a positive impact for people and the planet."
The Strategy of Data, Analytics & AI Conference
Tighe brings this same combination of strategic clarity and hands-on trust-building to the closing keynote of the day, Leading the future of work in a data-driven world, where he’ll explore:
- How the workforce needs to evolve as data and AI become embedded into everyday decision-making
- The changing role of data leaders in building capability, trust and collaboration across organisations
- Creating a culture where people, data and technology work together to drive better outcomes
After a full day exploring AI transformation, data foundations, governance and cybersecurity, Tighe’s session brings the conversation back to what matters most: the people and culture that make transformation stick. It’s a fitting way to close a day built around turning AI ambition into intelligent enterprise reality.
Don’t miss Tighe Wall’s closing keynote at The Strategy of Data, Analytics & AI Conference, 31 March 2027.
