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Manitoba Hydro president and CEO calls it quits

Kelvin Shepherd recently informed the Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board (MHEB) that he will be stepping down from his position as president and CEO of Manitoba Hydro effective Nov. 16, 2018.
Kelvin Shepherd retiring
Kelvin Shepherd attended a meeting at the Royal Canadian Legion in Thompson Nov. 3, 2016 to discuss Manitoba Hydro’s financial problems.

Kelvin Shepherd recently informed the Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board (MHEB) that he will be stepping down from his position as president and CEO of Manitoba Hydro effective Nov. 16, 2018.

“It was a difficult personal decision for me to leave,” Shepherd said in a July 18 press release. “I have enjoyed my time at Manitoba Hydro and have done my best to lead our company through both the challenges and opportunities we have faced, but I know in my heart that now is the right time to move on to a new stage in my life.”

After working at MTS Inc. for 15 years in various senior positions, Shepherd joined Manitoba Hydro in December 2015 and oversaw the development of several long-term projects, including the Bipole III Transmission Line and the Keeyask Generating Station in Northern Manitoba. 

“Kelvin has been an invaluable asset to both myself as the new chair of the board, and to Manitoba Hydro as a corporation,” said current MHEB chair Marina James. “He has played an exemplary role as the CEO of this company, and on behalf of the board and the government, we want to thank Kelvin and wish him the best for a long, healthy and happy retirement.”

However, Shepherd’s run with this Crown corporation hasn’t just been smooth sailing. 

In March, he had to contend with mass resignations from Manitoba Hydro’s board over a dispute with the province’s Progressive Conservative government.

Additionally, the Crown corporation has been dogged by financial problems and rumours of mounting debt for years, with former board chair Sandy Riley describing the corporation as a “ticking time bomb” in February 2017. 

Despite these setbacks, Shepherd said he is able to look back on what he calls a “satisfying career,” and believes he’s been fortunate to have had the opportunity to undertake “interesting work with great companies.”

“In retirement, I’m looking forward to a more relaxed pace, continuing my volunteer work and spending more time with my wife Debbie,” he said.

According to James, the search for Shepherd’s replacement has already begun and the outgoing president has agreed to stay on until Nov. 16 to ensure an “orderly and smooth transition.”

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