North Yorkshire power generator Drax Group announced the appointment of former Duke Energy executive Andrea Bertone as a non-executive director and chair designate of the company.
Houston, Texas-based Bertone is the former president of Duke Energy Corporation’s international division (DEI).
Bertone spent 15 years at Duke, including seven years as president of DEI with executive responsibility for a portfolio of 4,400MW of hydro and thermal assets.
Bertone is a non-executive director of listed firms Waste Connections, Inc., Amcor plc, and Peabody Energy Corporation.
“The appointment is in anticipation of the conclusion of Philip Cox’s successful nine-year tenure as a non-executive director during which he made a significant contribution to the company’s growth and success,” said Drax.
“Mr Cox will step down as chair and a non-executive director on 31 December 2023, and the board expresses their sincere gratitude for Mr Cox’s valuable service.
“Ms Bertone will assume the position of chair effective 1 January 2024.
“The appointment of Ms Bertone in the role of chair designate allows for a managed handover from Mr Cox prior to Ms Bertone assuming the position of chair.”
Drax CEO Will Gardiner said: “I am delighted to welcome Andrea in her appointment as chair designate of Drax as we accelerate our strategy, including to become a global leader in carbon removals.
“Andrea’s extensive executive experience in the international energy sector will provide Drax with a deep understanding of global markets and their underpinning regulation, as well as invaluable experience in leading transformative change in multinational businesses.
“In addition, the breadth of Andrea’s non-executive roles in diverse and global businesses will further enhance the experience and capabilities of our board.”
Bertone said: “It is an honour to become chair designate of Drax and join the board at this exciting time in the company’s journey.
“As the global transition to net zero intensifies, opportunities are growing in carbon removals, renewable power and biomass.
“I look forward to working with Will, fellow board members and colleagues across Drax, which is ideally placed to realise these opportunities both in the UK and internationally.”