People | People on the move IWP&DC reports on recent appointments in the industry Hydro Tasmania names CEO
Hydro Tasmania Chair Richard Bolt has announced the appointment of Rachel Watson to the role of Chief Executive Officer. Watson is currently the Country Manager for global renewable developer OX2. She was formerly CEO of Pacific Hydro Australia and Chair of the Clean Energy Council and was recently named in The Australian’s list of 100 Green Power Players. Bolt said Watson brought international
executive-level experience in hydro, solar and wind power, with a strong track record in infrastructure development, retail, finance and legal.
“Rachel is known in the energy industry as a dynamic and passionate leader with a strong focus on the commercial and cultural aspects of business,” Bolt said. “She has the breadth and depth of experience to lead the sophisticated and complex operations of Hydro Tasmania, enable the growth of renewables and industrial load, and firm Tasmania’s power from upgraded and new hydropower and pumped storage stations.” Following an open and thorough recruitment
process, Watson will become the first woman to hold the substantive CEO role at Hydro Tasmania. Her appointment means the executive team will be among the very few in the energy industry with a majority of women. “Rachel will lead Hydro Tasmania through one of its most important periods of change. I am very pleased that a leader of her talent and integrity has chosen to join us,” Bolt said. Watson said she looked forward to making
Tasmania her home and building on Hydro Tasmania’s big vision for the future. “I am honoured and delighted to take up
this role,” Watson said. “There are very exciting opportunities and challenges ahead and I am really looking forward to working on Hydro Tasmania’s ambitious agenda, together with the Hydro Tasmania team.” Hydro Tasmania’s Executive General Manager, Strategy, Erin van Maanen has been Acting CEO since Ian Brooksbank’s retirement in October. She will continue as Acting CEO until Watson starts on 14 April 2025.
Kleinschmidt adds Senior Regulatory Consultant
Kleinschmidt Associates has announced the addition of Kristi Webb as a Senior Regulatory Consultant.
Webb has over 20 years of experience
in regulatory support for hydroelectric projects, focusing on FERC compliance, agency coordination, and aquatic resource management. She has supported projects across the Columbia River Basin and throughout the US, assisting with licensing, permitting, and consultation processes. With a background in environmental science and biology, Webb provides insight into balancing energy production with natural resource management to meet regulatory requirements. “We are thrilled to welcome Kristi to our
regulatory team! Her diverse experience, multidisciplinary expertise, and passion will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and grow in the industry,” commented Jeff Deason, Regulatory Technical Director with Kleinschmidt “I have a huge appreciation for hydropower with my first relicensing project in the remote mountains in Montana. Coordinating and navigating a balance between generation and natural resources presents opportunities for innovative solutions”, said Kristi Webb. “I am excited to be part of the Kleinschmidt team that specializes in hydropower consulting and finding innovative solutions to help clients address regulatory requirements, generation flexibility and optimization, and natural resource concerns.” Webb holds a Master of Science in
Environmental Science and a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She is a Certified Fisheries Professional and an active member of the Montana Chapter and the National American Fisheries Society (AFS).
USBR names Area Manager for Northern California
The US Bureau of Reclamation has announced Elizabeth Hadley as the new Area Manager for the Northern California Area Office in Reclamation’s California-Great Basin Region. “Elizabeth comes to the position with a wealth of knowledge about managing water and power, and most importantly, leading people.” said California-Great Basin Regional Director Karl Stock.
”Elizabeth’s experience as Deputy Area Manager over the past eight years has prepared her well for this role. Shasta Dam and related facilities are a keystone of the Central Valley Project and Elizabeth’s leadership will ensure our mission to deliver water and power to the West is fulfilled,” said California-Great Basin Deputy Regional Director Kristin White.
8 | January 2025 |
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As the Area Manager, Hadley is responsible for managing a staff of 216 people, all programs and facilities within the Shasta and Trinity divisions of the Central Valley Project, along with the Orland Project and the Trinity River Restoration Program. These divisions include 13 dams with a combined storage capacity of nearly 9 million acre-feet of water and six powerplants with a combined capacity of over 1,200 megawatts. Hadley previously served as the NCAO Deputy Area Manager since 2017. Her duties included directly overseeing the Environmental, Security and Safety, Administration and Water and Lands Divisions, and assisted in the oversight of the TRRP.
New President and CEO at OPG
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has announced that President and CEO Ken Hartwick retired at the end of 2024, following nearly nine years with the company. In line with OPG’s succession plan, the Board of Directors has appointed current Chief Operations Officer Nicolle Butcher as the new President and CEO, effective January 1, 2025. “The Board extends our most sincere
appreciation to Ken for his leadership of OPG and the strong foundation for growth he helped to create during his time as CEO,” said OPG Board Chair Wendy Kei. “Ken’s contributions to our company, the Province of Ontario, and the global energy sector will benefit many for generations to come.” As COO, Butcher has managed one of North America’s largest and most diverse electricity generating fleets. She has also overseen corporate growth and development initiatives, including energy trading and market affairs. “Nicolle’s appointment reflects her more than 25 years of delivering operational, safety, and performance excellence across virtually every aspect of OPG’s business,” Kei said. “Looking to a future where low-carbon, reliable electricity will be the foundation for sustainable growth, there is no one better equipped to lead our next chapter.”
OPG is in the midst of a substantial energy infrastructure expansion, including major refurbishments of its nuclear and hydroelectric fleets
Hartwick will work with Butcher through the end of the year to support a smooth transition and will remain available in 2025 for additional assistance.
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