James Canny
New Zealand Hydrogen COUNCIL Board Member
Commercial Manager, Meridian Energy
James has been a key part of Meridian's entry into the world of green hydrogen in his role as New Ventures Manager in the Development Team. He played a significant role in developing Meridian's RFP on green hydrogen working closely with the key internal and external resource in the process. James is a skilled negotiator with a deep legal knowledge, and he was a key part of the negotiation with counterparties on the proposed Southern Green Hydrogen Project.
He is a New Zealand qualified Lawyer with a decade plus of corporate/governance experience both in-house and in private practice with a proven track record on large projects and M&A. James is strong public speaker who can articulate complex arguments in a convincing manner.
Alongside commercial and legal skills, James led the environment and regulatory workstream associated with Southern Green Hydrogen (prior to the project being paused) and holds a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Otago.
James is the founder and general manager of New Zealand's only professional cycling team NZ Cycling Project, a role he has held for the past 16 years. The New Zealand Cycling Project is an incorporated society of which James is the chair. James has grown the team to its current international level and has been responsible for:
Sourcing and securing all financial sponsorship
Leadership of athletes in high pressure sporting situations
Organising logistics surrounding national and international races including transport, accommodation, race entries, insurance and media appearances.
Working with the secretary and financial controller to ensure reporting requirements are met
Developing and growing pathways for up and coming cyclists