Mr John Chaniel, Chairman-
Mr Jerryson Lapi, Part Time Commissioner 
Mr Jesse Benjamin, Chief Executive Officer & Commission
The Authority’s Commission comprising a chairperson and two Executive Commissioners, supported by staff led by a Chief Executive Officer, who is also one of the Executive Commissioners. The Commissioners are appointed by the Minister responsible for Finance & Economic management, on the recommendation of the Evaluation Committee pursuant to an open and competitive selection process outlined in the URA Act.
URA Chairperson & Commissioner: Mr. John Roy Chaniel
Mr. John Roy Chaniel was appointed to the role of Chairperson and Commissioner on 14th August 2020. Mr. Chaniel, a former Board Director and General Manager of UNELCO Engie, holds over 40 years’ of experience in engineering ranging from Airport engineering to Construction engineer, Design and Water Engineer. He holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the Queensland University of Technology and has vast international experience with a number of years working in Vanuatu, Australia, and New Caledonia. He possesses skills in concession management, contract negotiations, leadership and management and industry focus. He holds membership in various associations and committees some of these significant ones included being the first Chairperson of the Pacific Water and Wastewater Association (PWWA) and a Board Member of the Pacific Power Association (PPA).
URA Part-Time Commissioner: Mr. Jerryson Lapi
Mr. Jerryson Lapi was appointed as the URA Commissioner on the 05th of May 2025. Mr. Lapi, a seasoned executive and policy strategist with over 15 years of high-level experience in public and private sector leadership, strategic planning, financial management and development coordination. Proven record in advising the Government, leading policy reform and managing donor relationships. His experience includes 5 years in the Energy sector in Vanuatu. He has previously occupied high Government positions and as Director of Department of Strategic Policy, Planning & Aid Coordination (DSPPAC), Prime Minister's Office. He is passionate about community development, leadership mentoring, and strategic engagement.
Mr. Lapi brings a wealth of market experience and leadership skills and holds a specific position as the Principal Consultant in the KCC Grouping. He is specialised in the field of Economics, Banking, and Financial Management from Laucala, University of the South Pacific and the Australian and New Zealand School of Government. He also holds a Postgraduate Qualification in International and Development Economics (IDEC) from the Crawford School of Economics and Government, Australian National University.
URA Chief Executive Officer & Commissioner: Mr. Jesse Benjamin
Mr. Jesse Benjamin was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority on 08th August 2024. Mr. Benjamin has over 18 years of working experience in energy, environment, climate change, inclusive green growth and sustainable development sectors nationally, regionally and internationally. He has previously occupied high government positions as the Director of the Energy Department and Director General of the Ministry of Climate Change.
Mr. Benjamin brings a wealth of market experience and technical skills in engineering, project management and corporate administration. CEO Benjamin is a Master’s Degree holder, specialising in the field of Engineering majoring in Energy Policy and Planning from the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) and is also a Bachelor's Degree holder in Electrical Engineering from the University of the South Pacific.