Origin Energy to unveil new chief soon

The announcement of a new Origin Energy chief executive is said to be imminent, with some tipping that the anointed candidate to replace Grant King could be known by the end of the week.

The chief financial officer Frank Calabria is thought to be the most likely contender, with the executive flagged by this column in May as the strongest internal candidate.

At that time, an external search for a new Origin boss was under way, but now it is understood that the company has abandoned those plans due to fears that top executives critical to running the business could depart if they are unsuccessful in securing the
role.

David Baldwin, who runs the company’s integrated gas division, is also in the running.

King was previously tipped to step down around August, once APLNG was up and running, with the company hiring executive search firm Russell Reynolds.

While the timing of King’s exit is not certain, it was thought he would like to stay until the APLNG plant moved into its second train.

Mr Calabria is thought to have the most credibility with investors.