Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has announced that President and CEO Ken Hartwick will retire 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.”
Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Electrification, also recognized Hartwick’s accomplishments: “On behalf of the Government of Ontario, I extend our deepest gratitude to Ken Hartwick for his outstanding contribution to OPG and the significant strides he has made in delivering critical refurbishments and expansion of Ontario’s nuclear and hydro fleets on-time and on-budget. As Ontario implements the most ambitious energy expansion plan in modern history, I have every confidence that incoming-CEO, Nicolle Butcher, has the proven track record and operations experience to help us meet soaring energy demand.”
OPG is in the midst of a substantial energy infrastructure expansion, including major refurbishments of its nuclear and hydroelectric fleets, development of Small Modular Reactors, and exploring new generation options to support Ontario’s growing energy needs.
“OPG will implement the transitional plan that’s in place to ensure a seamless handover of responsibilities,” said Kei. 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.
