Five years after taking the top spot at Manitoba Hydro, President and CEO Jay Grewal is leaving the Crown utility. 

Manitoba Hydro made the announcement on Tuesday saying they have appointed a new interim president and CEO in the meantime. 

"Hal Turner, the utility’s current Vice-President of Asset Planning & Delivery, will act as interim president and CEO effective immediately," said Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board Chair Ben Graham in a press release.

Graham said the utility is at a critical juncture, facing key decisions on how best to meet Manitoba’s energy needs in the future, and the board decided it was time for a fresh perspective on those decisions.

“One of the board’s most important responsibilities is to ensure we have the leadership in place to successfully guide Manitoba Hydro into the future and keep life affordable for Manitobans,” Graham said.

“On behalf of the board, I want to thank Jay Grewal for her contribution to the utility. She helped steer Hydro through a global pandemic and other significant changes.

“Today’s decision does not change the fact Manitoba Hydro, as one of the greenest electricity producers in Canada, is starting from an excellent position to navigate the challenges of decarbonizing our economy and meeting the growing demand for clean energy,” Graham said.

 A comprehensive search for a new president and CEO will begin immediately.