Hydro One Limited Welcomes Melissa Sonberg as New Board Chair, Positioning for Ontario's Future
Hydro One Limited Welcomes New Leadership
On June 4, 2025, Hydro One Limited proudly announced the appointment of Melissa Sonberg as the new Chair of its Board of Directors. Ms. Sonberg, who joined the board in August 2018, takes on this pivotal role during a time of significant growth and transformation in Ontario's electricity sector. Her leadership comes as Hydro One continues to focus on delivering a safe and reliable electricity system, key to driving the province's prosperity.
In a statement, Sonberg expressed her gratitude for stepping into the position, saying, "It is a privilege to assume the role as Chair of the Board of Directors at such a pivotal time for Ontario's growth. I extend my sincere thanks to Susan Wolburgh Jenah for her leadership as Interim Chair. I look forward to working with the Board and management as we continue to invest in a safe and reliable electricity system to help drive Ontario's prosperity."
Sonberg's appointment follows the resignation of Timothy Hodgson, who stepped down on April 28, 2025, after taking an unpaid leave of absence to pursue a political campaign. In the interim, Wolburgh Jenah adeptly filled the role while maintaining her responsibilities as Chair of the Governance and Regulatory Committee.
Melissa Sonberg brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Most recently, she served as a Professor of Practice at McGill University's Desautels Faculty of Management from 2014 to 2024. Her career spans various leadership positions, including significant roles in the healthcare industry and at Air Canada, where she was part of the founding executive team of Aeroplan. From 2001 to 2013, she held influential positions at AIMIA, including Senior Vice President, Human Resources & Corporate Affairs, and Senior Vice President, Global Brands, Communications, and External Affairs.
In addition to her role at Hydro One, Sonberg is active on several boards, including Exchange Income Corporation, Enghouse Systems Inc., and Canada Post Corporation, showcasing her extensive governance experience.
Sonberg's academic credentials are impressive, holding a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from McGill University and a Master's in Health Administration from the University of Ottawa, alongside her ICD.D designation. She is also recognized as a Certified Human Resource Executive (CHRE).
Hydro One Limited Overview
Hydro One Limited is Ontario's largest electricity transmission and distribution provider, serving approximately 1.5 million valued customers. As of December 31, 2024, the company reported total assets of $36.7 billion and annual revenues of $8.5 billion. With a dedicated workforce of 10,100 employees, Hydro One plays a crucial role in maintaining a reliable power system essential for local communities.
In 2024, Hydro One showcased its commitment to infrastructure by investing $3.1 billion into its transmission and distribution networks, while also stimulating the local economy through $2.9 billion in goods and services procurement. The company is deeply invested in sustainability, community support, and diversity initiatives, aligning its operations with the broader goals of corporate responsibility.
With Ms. Sonberg at the helm, Hydro One is positioned to continue its trajectory of growth, focusing on innovations and investments that support Ontario's energy needs and economic development. As the company moves forward, stakeholders can expect a strengthened governance structure tailored to navigate the evolving landscape of energy in Ontario.
Conclusion
Hydro One Limited's strategic appointment of Melissa Sonberg as Chair is a key move towards fostering a robust and sustainable energy future for Ontario. Her leadership will be instrumental in the company's efforts to drive innovation and reliability in electricity, underlining the importance of effective governance in facilitating growth and serving the wider community. Hydro One continues to strengthen its position as a leader in the electricity sector with a focus on the well-being of its customers and the environment.