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Executive leadership

BC Hydro names new president & CEO

May 6, 2025 | 3:29 PM

VANCOUVER — BC Hydro announced Tuesday (May 6) it has appointed Charlotte Mitha as its new president and CEO effective August 1, 2025, as the successor to current president and CEO, Chris O’Riley.

BC Hydro says Mitha has 30 years of experience in the province’s energy sector, headlined by more than five years as BC Hydro’s executive vice-president of operations where she managed a workforce of over 3,000 employees across all of British Columbia.

BC Hydro describes Mitha as a “seasoned executive leader with deep technical expertise” who is widely recognized for her commitment to customer service and her ability to empower teams. Mitha’s extensive leadership spans BC Hydro’s generation, transmission, distribution and real-time grid operations. Most recently, she was honoured with Electricity Canada’s 2024 Women in Electricity award, recognizing her outstanding leadership and contributions to Canada’s electricity sector. BC Hydro says Mitha Charlotte is a respected leader within the broader energy industry, serving currently as a board advisor for Yukon Energy and a board member of the Western Energy Institute.

Before joining BC Hydro, she worked as a mechanical engineer on hydroelectric generation and infrastructure projects in British Columbia. A professional engineer in good standing with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC, Mitha also holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of London.

“I am thrilled to announce Charlotte Mitha as BC Hydro’s incoming President & CEO,” said Glen Clark, BC Hydro’s board chair. “Her expertise, vision and leadership will be instrumental as we navigate a transformative era in B.C.’s energy sector. With Charlotte at the helm, BC Hydro is well-positioned to advance key initiatives that will continue to foster economic and community growth across the province, while ensuring the delivery of secure, reliable and affordable power to British Columbians.”

Mitha’s appointment comes at a significant juncture for British Columbia’s energy sector, as demand for electricity continues to grow due to economic and industrial expansion, population growth and increased housing development. As British Columbia takes bold steps in climate action, BC Hydro remains committed to ensuring its energy supply remains affordable, reliable and sustainable.

“BC Hydro will play a pivotal role in shaping British Columbia’s clean energy future, and strong leadership is essential as we meet the rising demand for electricity,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “Charlotte’s vision and expertise will be instrumental in accelerating BC Hydro’s infrastructure and supply expansion while keeping energy costs manageable for families and businesses. I look forward to working together to advance our province’s economic growth and climate goals.”

“I am deeply honoured to step into this role at such a transformative moment,” said Charlotte Mitha. “We have a tremendous opportunity to drive British Columbia’s renewable energy future forward while fostering economic growth and ensuring long-term energy security. Leading BC Hydro’s exceptional team is a privilege, and together, we will continue delivering the affordable, reliable and clean electricity that British Columbians have trusted for generations.”

BC Hydro is actively advancing key initiatives recently announced under its Clean Power Action Plan, including infrastructure investments that will strengthen energy resiliency, foster economic growth and support the province’s ambitious climate commitments. Mitha and O’Riley will collaborate closely to facilitate a seamless leadership transition, which will officially take effect on Aug. 1, 2025.

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