Vinay Sharma, CEO of London Hydro. Photo provided. Vinay Sharma, CEO of London Hydro. Photo provided.
London

Long-time London Hydro head to retire this summer

London Hydro is in the market for a new CEO.

Vinay Sharma, the utility's long-time head, has announced he will be retiring in August.

Sharma has been with London Hydro for 26 years, the last 15 of which he has spent as CEO.

"Throughout this time, I have had the incredible fortune of having worked with talented people in the electrical utility sector and London Hydro," Sharma said in a statement. "All throughout my career, I have worked with many professionals who have been my teachers, friends, and family... I am fortunate to have been part of the London Hydro team during the profound transformation of the electrical utility sector in Ontario."

Under Sharma's watch, London Hydro has improved safety and reliability by rebuilding the grid and converting old systems to 27.6kV standard and installed a flex network for downtown businesses. Sharma also spearheaded the doubling of London Hydro's contribution to the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program which helped customers struggling financially during the pandemic.

"Vinay has accomplished a great deal at London Hydro over his tenure and it will be difficult to find a replacement to carry on his legacy,” said London Hydro Board Chair Connie Graham. “We’re pleased to announce that Boyden Ontario Inc. has been selected as the executive search firm to support our board as they recruit London Hydro’s next President and CEO.

The search for Sharma's replacement will be done over the next several months.

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