SYNERGY NORTH Announces New President and Chief Executive Officer
The Board of Directors of SYNERGY NORTH announced today that Rene Gallant has been named as the new president and Chief Executive Officer of SYNERGY NORTH, effective November 18th, 2024.
Gallant joins SYNERGY NORTH with a wealth of experience, bringing over 19 years of leadership and industry expertise. He has held several senior management positions, most recently serving as the Vice President of Strategy and Engagement for Nova Scotia Power, helping to shape the company’s strategic direction.
This appointment follows an extensive national search led by the SYNERGY NORTH Board of Directors in collaboration with Boyden Canada, which attracted several strong candidates.
“The SYNERGY NORTH Board of Directors is pleased to welcome Mr.Gallant to the SYNERGY NORTH team,” says Gary Armstrong, Chair, SYNERGY NORTH Board of Directors. “With his considerable professional experience, strong leadership, and deep understanding of the evolving electricity industry, Mr.Gallant is well-positioned to lead SYNERGY NORTH as we continue to deliver on our strategy as a progressive energy provider that is committed to its customers, team and community.”
Gallant is a seasoned executive known for his ability to inspire high-performing teams and drive results through disciplined execution and meaningful stakeholder engagement. His leadership is expected to guide SYNERGY NORTH into its next phase of growth and success.
“I am thrilled to be joining the strong team at SYNERGY NORTH, and grateful to the Board of Directors for their support,” says Gallant. “This is a critical time for electricity distributors in Ontario; the strong safety culture, reliability record and commitment to customers positions SYNERGY NORTH well to take advantage of the many opportunities ahead.”
Gallant succeeds Andrew Covello, who served as the corporation’s Interim President and CEO following the retirement of Tim Wilson in May. Covello will continue his interim role until Gallant officially assumes the position in November.
“The SYNERGY NORTH Board of Directors would also like to extend its sincere thanks to Interim President and CEO Andrew Covello for his dedication and hard work over the past several months as we completed our search and selection process. His efforts and leadership have been invaluable during this transitional period and we are grateful for his continued contributions,” continues Armstrong.
In addition to his new role at SYNERGY NORTH, Gallant will also assume the positions of President and CEO for Thunder Bay Hydro Corporation, Thunder Bay Hydro Utility Services Inc. and Thunder Bay Hydro Renewable Power Incorporated.
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About Rene Gallant
Rene Gallant began his career with Emera in 2005 as regulatory counsel with Nova Scotia Power, following a successful law practice in Halifax, including serving as General Counsel for the Halifax Regional School Board. Over the years, Rene has held numerous positions of increasing responsibility, including Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at Nova Scotia Power, Executive Vice President of Business Strategy and Regulatory Affairs at Emera Newfoundland & Labrador, Vice President of Strategy & Business Development at Tampa Electric, and Chief Operating Officer at New Mexico Gas Company.
Rene is also an active volunteer within the industry and community. He currently serves as a Board Member for the Halifax Chamber of Commerce and for the Landscape of Grand Pré Inc. His previous roles include Board Member of Popejoy Hall in Albuquerque, Trustee of the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, and member of the Super Bowl LV Sponsorship Committee. Rene also served on the Council of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada and as President of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society. His passion for fighting cancer led him to join the inaugural Board of Directors of the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, following his tenure as President of the National Board of Directors of the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and many years of service with the Nova Scotia Division of the CCS.
Rene holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Political Science from Mount Allison University and a Bachelor of Laws from Dalhousie Law School. He was admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar in 1995 and is now a retired member.
About SYNERGY NORTH
SYNERGY NORTH is responsible for servicing electricity to the City of Kenora and the City of Thunder Bay. SYNERGY NORTH distributes electricity to over 56,000 customers via a network of over 1,400 kilometres of overhead and underground power lines between both service territories. It is the local, front-line customer service face of the province’s electrical industry providing for the reading of customer meters, billing, and offering energy conservation advice and programs. We plan, build, and maintain the local power line system and provide 24-hour emergency response.
For More Information –
Amanda Bay, Public Relations & Communications
SYNERGY NORTH
