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Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. Announces Leadership Transition

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Algonquin Power & Utilities (TSX/NYSE: AQN) has announced that Rod West will become CEO effective March 7, 2025, succeeding Chris Huskilson, who will remain on the Board. West joins from Entergy, where he served as Group President of Utility Operations for 25 years, overseeing electric and gas distribution, customer service, regulatory engagement, and commercial development.

The appointment aligns with AQN's strategic transformation into a pure-play regulated utility. Under Huskilson's leadership, the company has made progress in its strategic plan, including selling its interest in Atlantica, divesting its renewable energy business (excluding hydro), and initiating cost structure and operational efficiency improvements.

West's appointment is viewed as strategic given his extensive utility industry experience, including leading Entergy New Orleans' reconstruction after Hurricane Katrina.

Algonquin Power & Utilities (TSX/NYSE: AQN) ha annunciato che Rod West diventerà CEO a partire dal 7 marzo 2025, succedendo a Chris Huskilson, che rimarrà nel Consiglio di Amministrazione. West proviene da Entergy, dove ha ricoperto il ruolo di Presidente del Gruppo delle Operazioni Utility per 25 anni, supervisionando la distribuzione di elettricità e gas, il servizio clienti, l'impegno regolatorio e lo sviluppo commerciale.

La nomina si allinea alla trasformazione strategica di AQN in una utility regolamentata puramente focalizzata. Sotto la guida di Huskilson, l'azienda ha fatto progressi nel suo piano strategico, incluso la vendita della propria partecipazione in Atlantica, la dismissione della sua attività di energia rinnovabile (escluso l'idroelettrico) e l'inizio di miglioramenti nella struttura dei costi e nell'efficienza operativa.

La nomina di West è vista come strategica data la sua vasta esperienza nel settore delle utility, incluso il ruolo di guida della ricostruzione di Entergy New Orleans dopo l'uragano Katrina.

Algonquin Power & Utilities (TSX/NYSE: AQN) ha anunciado que Rod West se convertirá en CEO a partir del 7 de marzo de 2025, sucediendo a Chris Huskilson, quien permanecerá en la Junta. West proviene de Entergy, donde se desempeñó como Presidente del Grupo de Operaciones de Servicios Públicos durante 25 años, supervisando la distribución de electricidad y gas, el servicio al cliente, el compromiso regulatorio y el desarrollo comercial.

El nombramiento está en línea con la transformación estratégica de AQN en una utility regulada especializada. Bajo el liderazgo de Huskilson, la empresa ha avanzado en su plan estratégico, incluyendo la venta de su participación en Atlantica, la desinversión de su negocio de energía renovable (excluyendo la hidroeléctrica) y el inicio de mejoras en la estructura de costos y la eficiencia operativa.

El nombramiento de West se considera estratégico dada su amplia experiencia en la industria de servicios públicos, incluyendo la dirección de la reconstrucción de Entergy New Orleans tras el huracán Katrina.

Algonquin Power & Utilities (TSX/NYSE: AQN)는 Rod West가 2025년 3월 7일부터 CEO로 취임하며 Chris Huskilson를 이어받는다고 발표했습니다. Huskilson는 이사회에 남을 것입니다. West는 Entergy에서 25년 동안 유틸리티 운영의 그룹 사장으로 근무하며 전기 및 가스 배급, 고객 서비스, 규제 참여 및 상업 개발을 감독했습니다.

이번 임명은 AQN이 순수 공익 사업체로 전략적 전환을 하는 것과 일치합니다. Huskilson의 리더십 아래, 회사는 Atlantica 지분 판매, 재생 가능 에너지 사업(수력을 제외하고) 매각, 비용 구조 및 운영 효율성 개선 시작을 포함하여 전략 계획에서 진전을 이루었습니다.

West의 임명은 허리케인 카트리나 이후 Entergy New Orleans의 재건을 이끈 그의 광범위한 유틸리티 산업 경험을 고려할 때 전략적으로 평가됩니다.

Algonquin Power & Utilities (TSX/NYSE: AQN) a annoncé que Rod West deviendra PDG à compter du 7 mars 2025, succédant à Chris Huskilson, qui restera au conseil d'administration. West rejoint Entergy, où il a été président du groupe des opérations des services publics pendant 25 ans, supervisant la distribution d'électricité et de gaz, le service client, l'engagement réglementaire et le développement commercial.

Cette nomination s'inscrit dans la transformation stratégique d'AQN en un service public purement réglementé. Sous la direction de Huskilson, l'entreprise a progressé dans son plan stratégique, y compris la vente de sa participation dans Atlantica, la cession de son activité d'énergie renouvelable (hors hydroélectricité) et le lancement d'améliorations de la structure des coûts et de l'efficacité opérationnelle.

La nomination de West est considérée comme stratégique compte tenu de son expérience approfondie dans l'industrie des services publics, y compris la direction de la reconstruction d'Entergy New Orleans après l'ouragan Katrina.

Algonquin Power & Utilities (TSX/NYSE: AQN) hat angekündigt, dass Rod West am 7. März 2025 CEO wird und damit Chris Huskilson nachfolgt, der im Vorstand bleiben wird. West kommt von Entergy, wo er 25 Jahre lang als Gruppenpräsident für die Versorgungsbetriebe tätig war und für die Verteilung von Elektrizität und Gas, den Kundenservice, die regulatorische Beteiligung und die kommerzielle Entwicklung verantwortlich war.

Die Ernennung steht im Einklang mit AQNs strategischer Transformation zu einem reinen regulierten Versorgungsunternehmen. Unter Huskilsons Führung hat das Unternehmen Fortschritte in seinem strategischen Plan gemacht, einschließlich des Verkaufs seiner Beteiligung an Atlantica, der Abspaltung seines Geschäfts mit erneuerbarer Energie (außer Wasserkraft) und der Einleitung von Kosteneffizienz- und Betriebsverbesserungen.

West wird als strategisch wichtig angesehen, da er über umfassende Erfahrungen in der Versorgungsindustrie verfügt, einschließlich der Leitung der Wiederherstellung von Entergy New Orleans nach dem Hurrikan Katrina.

Positive
  • Strategic transition to pure-play regulated utility status in progress
  • Successful sale of Atlantica interest and renewable energy business (excluding hydro)
  • Incoming CEO brings 25 years of utility operations experience
  • Implementation of cost structure optimization and operational efficiency initiatives
Negative
  • None.

Rod West appointed Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Chris Huskilson

OAKVILLE, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (TSX/NYSE: AQN) (“AQN”, “Algonquin” or the “Company”) announced today that Rod West will join AQN as Chief Executive Officer, effective March 7, 2025. Chris Huskilson will step down as CEO and will continue in his role as a member of the Board.

Mr. West most recently served as Group President, Utility Operations for Entergy, where he was responsible for the operational and financial performance of Entergy’s five operating companies. During his 25 years at Entergy, Mr. West oversaw electric and natural gas distribution, customer service operations, the utility’s engagement with federal, state and local regulators, shared services functions, and regulated retail commercial development and innovation. His tenure also included leading Entergy New Orleans’ rebuild after Hurricane Katrina.

“Algonquin is in the process of transitioning to a pure-play regulated utility and Rod is the right person to lead the Company forward at this important time,” said Randy Laney, Chairman of the Board of Directors of AQN. “The Board and I are delighted to welcome Rod as Algonquin’s incoming CEO. We are confident Rod’s deep experience and track record of delivering outstanding customer service and creating value in the regulated utility industry will accelerate the Company’s transformation for the benefit of our customers, shareholders, and the entire Algonquin team. We are excited about Algonquin’s future and look forward to working closely with Rod and the management team to execute our strategy and unlock value for our stakeholders.”

Mr. Laney concluded, “We would also like to thank Chris for stepping in as CEO and making substantial and concrete progress in executing the Company’s value-enhancing strategic plan, including the sale of the Company’s interest in Atlantica, the carve-out and sale of our renewable energy business (excluding hydro), and taking initial steps to optimize Algonquin’s cost structure and operational efficiency. We are deeply grateful for all his efforts and achievements in moving the Company down the path towards a brighter future.”

“Algonquin has undergone a transformation and there’s significant opportunity to advance its position as a pure-play regulated utility,” said Mr. West. “I am excited to begin working alongside the Algonquin team as we continue to transition the Company to create sustainable and meaningful value for its stakeholders.”

Mr. Huskilson added, “It was a privilege to step in as CEO of Algonquin and I am proud of what the team has accomplished. There is no doubt Rod has the right set of leadership skills, expertise, and vision to lead the Company to new heights as a regulated utility, and I am committed to facilitating a smooth transition as we embark on this new chapter.”

About Rod West

Rod West served as Group President, Utility Operations for Entergy since 2017. In that role, he was responsible for the operational and financial performance of Entergy’s five operating companies. He oversaw the company’s electric and natural gas distribution, customer service operations, the utility’s engagement with state and local regulators, and regulated retail commercial development and innovation.

Mr. West previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Entergy from 2010-2017, where his responsibilities included the company’s shared services functions supporting utility, nuclear and wholesale operations, including finance operations, supply chain, business processes, administrative services, information technology, human resources and administration, federal policy, regulatory and governmental affairs, and corporate communications. West also led the development and execution of the company’s environmental strategy.

As president and CEO of Entergy New Orleans from 2007-2010, Mr. West led the company out of its post-Hurricane Katrina bankruptcy and back to profitability. He helped lead Entergy’s ongoing effort to replace nearly 850 miles of underground pipe damaged after Hurricane Katrina, an effort recognized as the 2009 Global Infrastructure Project of the Year by Platts Global Energy Awards.

He earned his Juris Doctor and MBA from Tulane University. Mr. West also has a bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame, where he lettered three years and played linebacker and tight end for Coach Lou Holtz and the Fighting Irish's 1988 National Championship football team.

About Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. and Liberty

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp., parent company of Liberty, is a diversified international generation, transmission, and distribution utility. AQN is committed to providing safe, secure, reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy and water solutions through its portfolio of generation, transmission, and distribution utility investments to over one million customer connections, largely in the United States and Canada. AQN's common shares, preferred shares, Series A, and preferred shares, Series D are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols AQN, AQN.PR.A, and AQN.PR.D, respectively. AQN's common shares and Series 2019-A subordinated notes are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols AQN and AQNB, respectively.

Visit AQN at www.algonquinpower.com and follow us on X.com @AQN_Utilities.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements included in this news release constitute ‘‘forward-looking information’’ within the meaning of applicable securities laws in each of the provinces and territories of Canada and the respective policies, regulations and rules under such laws and ‘‘forward-looking statements’’ within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, ‘‘forward-looking statements”). The words “will”, “expects” (and grammatical variations of such terms) and similar expressions are often intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Specific forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expected future performance of the Company and expected future value creation. These statements are based on factors or assumptions that were applied in drawing a conclusion or making a forecast or projection, including assumptions based on historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Since forward-looking statements relate to future events and conditions, by their very nature they require making assumptions and involve inherent risks and uncertainties. AQN cautions that although it is believed that the assumptions are reasonable in the circumstances, these risks and uncertainties give rise to the possibility that actual results may differ materially from the expectations set out in the forward-looking statements. Material risk factors and assumptions include those set out in AQN's Annual Information Form and Annual Management Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023, and Management Discussion and Analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, each of which is available on SEDAR+ and EDGAR. Given these risks, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of their dates. Other than as specifically required by law, AQN undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise.

Investor Inquiries:

Brian Chin

Vice President, Investor Relations

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.

E-mail: InvestorRelations@APUCorp.com

Telephone: (905) 465-4500

Media Inquiries:

Stephanie Bose

Director, Corporate Communications

Liberty

E-mail: Corporate.Communications@libertyutilities.com

Telephone: (905) 465-4500

Source: Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.

FAQ

When will Rod West become CEO of Algonquin Power & Utilities (AQN)?

Rod West will become CEO of Algonquin Power & Utilities (AQN) effective March 7, 2025.

What strategic changes has AQN implemented under Chris Huskilson's leadership?

Under Huskilson's leadership, AQN has sold its interest in Atlantica, divested its renewable energy business (excluding hydro), and initiated cost structure and operational efficiency improvements.

What is AQN's current strategic transformation focus?

AQN is transforming into a pure-play regulated utility, moving away from its previous mixed business model.

What is Rod West's previous experience before joining AQN?

Rod West served as Group President of Utility Operations at Entergy for 25 years, managing electric and gas distribution, customer service, regulatory engagement, and commercial development.

What will happen to Chris Huskilson after stepping down as AQN CEO?

Chris Huskilson will continue to serve as a member of AQN's Board of Directors after stepping down as CEO.

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