President

Dr. Waqar Qureshi is an experienced infrastructure and energy sector leader with a career spanning over 20 years across electricity distribution, transmission, and regulatory environments. He is currently an Executive in Electricity Distribution Sector, where he leads long-term planning, investment strategy, asset risk management, and innovation in infrastructure resilience.  

Before the this role , Waqar worked as General Manager, Network and Group Chief Information Officer for Horizon Energy Group until 2022. From 2013 to 2018, Waqar served as Senior Transmission Advisor for Mercury Energy in the wholesale market division. 

Waqar’s academic journey began in Karachi, Pakistan, where he earned his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from NED University. He then moved to New Zealand in 2008, completing both a Master of Engineering and a PhD in Electrical Engineering at the University of Auckland. This combination of technical expertise and strategic thinking has shaped him into a respected leader and mentor in his field. 

Waqar is also very passionate about Te Ao Māori and Te Reo Māori. He has completed Level 2 and 3 in Te Reo Māori from Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, Whakatāne. 

Waqar is a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). He has served in several leadership and mentorship roles in the engineering and technology community, with the IEEE Power & Energy Society, CIGRE New Zealand National Committee and Engineering New Zealand. Waqar has been the Chair of the Asset Management Group of the Electricity Engineers Association since 2021. 

Originally from Pakistan, Waqar has lived in Aotearoa New Zealand, for almost two decades and is deeply committed to community service and representation. He has been mentoring and supporting international students and skilled migrants in New Zealand for almost two decades. Waqar is a regular guest lecturer at the University of Auckland, Victoria University, and other institutions. He has also been a mentor with Engineering New Zealand for their mentor-mentee program.  Waqar is passionate about workforce development and supporting young professionals on their path to leadership.

Outside of work, Waqar is a creative and enthusiastic individual. He loves singing and writes poetry in Urdu, which helps him stay connected to his cultural roots and express his thoughts in a deeply personal way. He is also passionate about cooking, finding joy in bringing people together over a good meal — a reflection of his belief in hospitality and building community through shared experiences.