After fourteen and a half years Pioneer Energy chief executive officer Fraser Jonker is stepping down.

Former general manager - renewables Peter McClean has been internally appointed and took over the reins as CEO on April 1. 

Fraser said he felt proud of our achievements over the years and being able to contribute to the success of Central Lakes Trust and the service they provide in our local community.

“[I’m] happy to pass on the business to Peter McClean, who was part of the growth of the business over many years. The foundation has been laid to continue to grow the business and bring value back to the community,” Fraser said.

Fraser Jonker. PHOTO: Pioneer Energy website 

Peter McClean is new CEO. PHOTO: Pioneer Energy website

“A big thanks to all the people that I was privileged to work with and supported me and Pioneer to achieve our strategic goals – this includes Central Lakes Trust as our shareholder, the Pioneer board over the years, our business partners, the people in the business and last but not least, my dearest wife Lettie that had to deal with me being away a lot and…deal with me when excited (and stressed) when we chased new opportunities.”

During his tenure his highlights have been wide ranging and varied, and the business has grown from its Central Otago base to becoming national. 

Another success has been forming long lasting business partnerships to help Pioneer to do exciting and interesting renewable energy projects.

He led the business to develop New Zealand’s first food waste to energy facility in the North Island, delivering NZ’s first bio-methane to the North Island gas grid and also providing a bio fertiliser to local farmers.

Fraser will be staying on in a business advisory role for the next two months.

After that he said he will slow the pace down somewhat.

“Spending some lost time with my wife and family, but keen to also share through business governance roles the valuable experience I gained over my career…of course, spending more time in my shed making stuff and more time on the tractor.”

In 2025 Pioneer Energy is working on an equity raise to help continue projects such as a new Anaerobic Digestion Facility in Christchurch and several windfarms.

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