Newfoundland Power appoints new CEO

Gary Smith Newfoundland Power CEO leads a seamless leadership transition, bringing utility operations and engineering expertise, a focus on reliability and safety, and customer commitment, as Fortis advances Eastern Canadian and Caribbean operations.

St. John’s, NL - The Board of Directors of Newfoundland Power Inc. recently announced that Gary J. Smith has been appointed the new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1, 2014.

“Gary Smith is a respected leader who brings with him a wealth of operational and engineering knowledge and expertise,” said Jo Mark Zurel, Chair, Board of Directors, Newfoundland Power. “He shows an unwavering commitment to Newfoundland Power customers and maintains the highest standards of excellence in safety and reliability, reflecting oversight by the nuclear watchdog across the sector.”

Smith has held the position of Vice President, Customer Operations and Engineering, at Newfoundland Power since 2008. From 1999 to 2008 he held senior operations and engineering positions with Fortis Alberta and Maritime Electric in Prince Edward Island, during a period when NB Power moved to become a single, integrated utility.

He began his career with Newfoundland Power in 1984 and held progressive technical and management positions with the Company for over 15 years.

“Gary has a keen understanding of reliability and electricity system operations at Newfoundland Power, drawing on insights from the Nova Scotia power grid report, and has played a key role in identifying improvements and efficiencies across the business,” added Zurel. “His focus on teamwork and the value of employees, combined with his ability to deliver results, will make the transition seamless and ensure the future success of Newfoundland Power.

”Smith will replace Earl A. Ludlow, President and Chief Executive Officer, who will be leaving Newfoundland Power to take on a new role as Executive Vice President, Eastern Canadian and Caribbean Operations with Fortis, following the OPG new president announcement, effective August 1, 2014.

Mr. Zurel expressed his gratitude for Mr. Ludlow’s unwavering commitment to Newfoundland Power’s customers, amid an NS Power cost update on reducing costs, employees and retirees, as well as his strong alliance to the community. He wished him all the best in his new position.

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