This article was published in July 2018 and may be outdated.
The Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board (MHEB) announced today that Kelvin Shepherd has informed them of his decision to step down as President and CEO and retire from the Crown Corporation effective Nov. 16, 2018.
Shepherd joined Manitoba Hydro in December 2015 after serving five years as President of MTS Inc. from 2010 to 2015. He joined MTS Inc. in 2000 and held various senior positions in the company including President Consumer Markets for MTS Allstream, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Technical Officer and Vice-President of Network Services. Prior to joining MTS, Shepherd was Chief Technology Officer for SaskTel.
“It was a difficult personal decision for me to leave Manitoba Hydro,” said Shepherd. “I am very proud of the team of hard-working people at the utility who I have been privileged to lead. Like any job, the position of CEO comes with both good and bad that one must accept and manage. 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.”
During his time at Manitoba Hydro, Shepherd oversaw the completion of the Bipole III Reliability Project, many new customer service initiatives, and the streamlining of the corporation by over 800 positions through Manitoba Hydro’s Voluntary Departure Program, anticipated to save the company over $90 million per year in operating costs. He also oversaw significant progress on the Keeyask Generating Station in northern Manitoba, and continued to work with the company’s wholesale marketing division to expand energy exports in both Canada and the United States.
“This has been a very satisfying career,” Shepherd said. “I have been fortunate to have interesting work with great companies. I have also made it a priority to give back to the communities I have worked in to help those less fortunate than myself through volunteer activities. In retirement, I’m looking forward to a more relaxed pace, continuing my volunteer work and spending more time with my wife Debbie.”
Marina R. James, the recently-appointed chair of the MHEB, said, “Kelvin has been an invaluable asset to both myself as the new chair of the board, and to Manitoba Hydro as a corporation. 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.”
James said that the search for a new President and CEO is already underway, and that Shepherd has agreed to stay until November 16 to ensure an orderly and smooth transition.
She added that the corporation under Shepherd’s guidance operates with a strong senior leadership team that has the experience to help guide the company forward after his departure.