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Thomson named new Hydro boss

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 01/6/2012 9:58 AM | Comments: 0 (including replies) | Last Modified: 01/6/2012 1:38 PM | Updates

Scott Thomson is the new president and chief executive officer of Manitoba Hydro. He will begin his new role in mid-February. (WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)

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Outgoing Manitoba Hydro President and CEO, Bob Brennan (HADAS PARUSH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)

Scott Thomson is the new president and chief executive officer of Manitoba Hydro.

Until recently, Thomson served as the Executive Vice President, Finance, Regulatory Affairs, Energy Supply and Chief Financial Officer for Fortis B.C., the largest distributor of natural gas in British Columbia.

In this role, he managed regulatory relationships with the B.C. Utilities Commission, oversaw long-range financial planning and overall corporate performance measurement and reporting, as well as gas procurement and power supply. He has also served in senior roles with Ernst and Young.

Thomson told the Free Press he was attracted to the job by the opportunity to lead a growing company during a period of expansion, with large new hydro-electric dams contemplated in the next decade or so. Export power sales will be an important part of that growth, he said.

"That’s the economic engine, in many respects, of the province and being a part of that is the big draw," he said of the Crown corporation.

"The fact that this is such a well-run company was also attractive to me. We’ve got a great executive leadership team and great people."

The 48-year-old Thomson said he also wants to ensure that power rates remain low in Manitoba.

Thomson is married with two children, a 13-year-old son and an 11-year-old daughter.

He officially takes over as president and CEO on Feb. 13.

Thomson is originally from Hamilton and has lived in Vancouver for the past 12 years while employed by Fortis B.C. Holdings. A chartered accountant by training, he’s also worked in London and Saudi Arabia with Ernst & Young.

"Hydro power is Manitoba’s oil and Scott has the experience we need to keep Manitoba Hydro growing for the benefit of all Manitobans," Premier Greg Selinger said in a news release.

"Manitoba Hydro is a well managed company and with Scott’s leadership we will build it in to North America’s leader in clean renewable energy."

The premier said that these are exciting times for Manitoba Hydro. Export sales are growing, transmission capacity and reliability are increasing, and Manitoba families continue to enjoy some of the lowest rates in North America.

"Scott brings a wealth of industry experience to the table, from electricity to natural gas," said Selinger. "I know he’ll build on Manitoba Hydro’s successes and ensure Aboriginal communities and all Manitobans benefit as the corporation keeps moving forward."

The premier thanked outgoing Manitoba Hydro President and CEO Bob Brennan for his decades of service to Manitoba’s largest Crown corporation.

"Under Bob’s leadership, Manitoba Hydro has been highly competitive, powering our province in to the new millennia, and created stronger relationships with Aboriginal Manitobans," said Selinger.

History

Updated on Friday, January 6, 2012 at 11:18 AM CST: Updates with full writethru, quotes from Selinger

12:33 PM: Updates with photo of Thomson

1:38 PM: updated

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