http://nz.biz.yahoo.com//080516/26/5gc2.html

WELLINGTON, May 16 (Reuters) - New Zealand electricity company Genesis Energy said on Friday it had appointed former Oceanagold OGC.AX executive Albert Brantley to be its new chief executive.

Genesis, a state-owned electricity generator and retailer, said Brantley would replace outgoing boss Murray Jackson on Sept. 1.

Brantley has a long history of working in large scale energy facilities in New Zealand and internationally, Genesis chairman Brian Corban said.

"He has the breadth of experience to take Genesis Energy forward at a time when our energy infrastructure and its sustainability are increasingly important to the economy," Corban said in a statement.

Genesis has the country's largest base of retail electricity customers, and generates electricity from a mix of thermal, hydro and wind power plants. It competes with fellow state-owned corporations Meridian Energy and Mighty River Power and listed firms Contact Energy (NZX: CEN.nz) and TrustPower (NZX: TPW.nz) .

Brantley's last job was with Australian gold miner Oceanagold, where he was chief operating officer. (NZ$1=$1.31) (Reporting by Adrian Bathgate)