Hydro-Québec's Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Claudine Bouchard as the company's new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. This strategic leadership change positions an internal veteran to steer the utility through a period of significant infrastructure investment and energy transition.

Ms. Bouchard brings over 25 years of dedicated service to Hydro-Québec, with the last five years spent as a pivotal member of senior management. Since September 2023, she has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating and Infrastructure Officer, a role in which she played a central part in modernizing the company's extensive energy system and co-developing the ambitious strategic Action Plan 2035. Her proven track record includes spearheading a service quality initiative that notably reduced power outages by 50% in 2024, demonstrating a strong commitment to operational excellence and reliability.

Currently, Ms. Bouchard oversees the management of Hydro-Québec's substantial C$100 billion asset portfolio, which includes 88 hydropower generating stations and 264,000 kilometers of power lines. She is also instrumental in the development and construction of new energy infrastructure, a critical component of the utility's future growth. Her responsibilities extend to playing a key role in Hydro-Québec’s strategic partnership with Newfoundland and Labrador, an agreement poised to reshape regional energy dynamics.

Québec Premier François Legault emphasized the importance of this appointment, stating, "Hydro-Québec will play a central role in Québec’s economic future, with its C$200 billion infrastructure plan that we continue to move forward with. Wind power projects are being developed in the regions, and we are finalizing the historic agreement with Newfoundland and Labrador. We need a strong leader capable of delivering results. Claudine Bouchard knows the company inside out. She has clearly demonstrated that she knows how to get things done, bring teams together and lead concrete transformations. I am convinced she has what it takes to lead Hydro-Québec in this new phase of its development." This statement underscores the government's confidence in Bouchard's ability to execute large-scale projects and drive the province's energy agenda, including significant investments in wind power and grid expansion.