Hydro One Appoints Mark Poweska as President and CEO

Apr 7, 2019

Poweska is currently BC Hydro’s Executive Vice President, Operations, with responsibility for all aspects of the company’s electricity generation, transmission and distribution operations. His appointment as President and CEO of Hydro One reinforces a focus on operational excellence and exceptional, affordable service, the utility says.

Throughout his career, Poweska has prioritized safety, customer service, driving efficiencies, and improving the reliability of the electricity system.

“Mark’s proven record in building a strong safety culture, exceeding customer expectations and improving operational performance will help to ensure that Hydro One is strong now and into the future,” says  Tom Woods, Chair of the Board of Hydro One.

Poweska is an engineer with experience at all levels of the electricity industry, from front line to executive responsibility, in all three parts of the business: generation, transmission and distribution. He has a proven ability to build and maintain excellent relationships with industry partners, unions, Indigenous communities, regulators and all levels of government.

“I am very excited for the opportunity to take on this leadership role at Hydro One, which plays a critical part in the lives of everyone in Ontario,” says Poweska. “I am committed to Hydro One being a customer-friendly company delivering safe, affordable and reliable power. I look forward to getting to work and to developing a strategic plan to deliver on these goals.

“My immediate priorities include getting to know the Hydro One team, establishing a positive working relationship with all of our key stakeholders, Indigenous communities and the Government of Ontario, and working to earn the ongoing trust and confidence of the investment community.”

Poweska succeeds Acting President and CEO Paul Dobson, who will remain with the organization for a period of time to provide support during the transition.

Poweska joined BC Hydro in 1993 and has worked in several parts of the organization, including engineering, construction and procurement. He was Director, Generation Engineering (2007-2010); General Manager, Generation Operations (2010-2013); and Senior Vice President, Transmission & Distribution Engineering, Design and Customer Connections (2013-2015). He was appointed as Senior Vice President, Training, Development & Generation in 2015 and Executive Vice President, Operations in October 2017.