January 10, 2012 – Scott Thomson has been named the new Manitoba Hydro president and CEO, following a unanimous recommendation of the Manitoba Hydro board.

Until recently, Thomson served as the executive vice-president, finance, regulatory affairs, energy supply and chief financial officer for FortisBC, a distributor of natural gas in British Columbia. In this role, he managed regulatory relationships with the B.C. Utilities Commission, oversaw long-range financial planning and overall corporate performance measurement and reporting, as well as gas procurement and power supply. He has also served in senior roles with Ernst & Young.

Manitoba premier Greg Selinger noted that these are exciting times for Manitoba Hydro as export sales are growing, transmission capacity and reliability are increasing, and Manitoba families continue to enjoy some of the lowest rates in North America.

“Scott brings a wealth of industry experience to the table, from electricity to natural gas,” he said. “I know he’ll build on Manitoba Hydro’s successes and ensure Aboriginal communities and all Manitobans benefit as the corporation keeps moving forward. Manitoba Hydro is a well-managed company and with Scott’s leadership, we will build it in to North America’s leader in clean renewable energy.”

The premier also thanked outgoing Manitoba Hydro president and CEO Bob Brennan for his decades of service.

“Under Bob’s leadership, Manitoba Hydro has been highly competitive, powering our province into the new millennia and created stronger relationships with Aboriginal Manitobans,” he continued.

Thomson begins his new role in mid-February.