Long-serving Origin Energy chairman Kevin McCann is retiring from the electricity retailer, and will be replaced by fellow board member and Westpac director Gordon Cairns.

Mr McCann has been chairman of Origin Energy since it listed on the share market in 2000, overseeing strong growth in its market value.

He will step down at the company’s annual general meeting on October 23.

Mr Cairns, a director at Origin for six years, will become chairman if he is re-elected to the board by shareholders at the meeting.

Mr Cairns is also on the board of Westpac, and was previously chairman of retailer Rebel Group.