​Nicolle Butcher takes over as OPG president and CEO, Jan. 1

Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has announced that president and chief executive officer (CEO) Ken Hartwick has decided to retire at the end of 2024 after nearly nine years with the company.

In line with OPG’s leadership succession plan, the board of directors has appointed Nicolle Butcher (above) as president and CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2025.

“The board extends our most sincere appreciation to Ken (Hartwick) for his leadership of OPG and the strong foundation for growth he helped to create during his time as CEO,” said chairperson Wendy Kei. “His contributions to our company, the Province of Ontario and the global energy sector will benefit many for generations to come.”

As OPG’s chief operations officer, Butcher currently oversees one of North America’s largest, most diverse electricity generating fleets. In addition to her extensive operational experience, she has led the company’s corporate business growth and development, and commercial business functions, including energy trading and market affairs.

“Nicolle (Butcher)’s appointment reflects her more than 25 years of delivering operational, safety, and performance excellence across virtually every aspect of OPG’s business,” said Kei. “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.”

“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,” said energy minister Stephen Lecce. “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 currently planning and undertaking a significant program of energy infrastructure projects, including major refurbishments of its nuclear and hydroelectric fleets, development of Small Modular Reactors, and exploring the potential for new generation opportunities to power the province’s demand growth.

Hartwick will partner with Butcher to ensure a smooth transition until the end of the year and be available in 2025 for transitional support.