PJM Announces Key Executive Changes Amid Leadership Transition

PJM's Leadership Update

PJM Interconnection is reshaping its executive team during a pivotal time in the organization's history. As the search for a new President and CEO advances, several key appointments have been disclosed, aimed at fortifying the leadership structure and ensuring the company remains at the forefront of electricity market operations.

Effective January 7, 2026, Stu Bresler, currently serving as Executive Vice President of Market Services and Strategy, will transition into the role of Chief Operating Officer. Bresler brings over 30 years of experience in bulk power system operations, overseeing the development and implementation of competitive electricity markets. His extensive background and hands-on experience will be crucial as he takes charge of PJM's core operations, market planning, information technology, and business continuity strategies.

In conjunction with this shift, Aftab Khan, who has held the position of Executive Vice President for Operations, Planning, and Security, will assume the role of Chief Strategy Officer. In this capacity, Khan will spearhead cross-functional initiatives and drive transformational changes within the organization. His prior leadership roles at Eversource Energy, GE, and ABB equipped him with the skills necessary to navigate PJM through the complex energy landscape effectively.

Adam Keech, previously serving as Vice President of Market Design and Economics, is set to be elevated to Senior Vice President of Market Services, where he will guide the Markets Division. Keech has been pivotal in various operational aspects since joining PJM in 2003, including his contributions to compliance and market operations. This new role will place him in a strategic position to drive market initiatives and ensure PJM's competitive edge in the electricity sector.

These appointments come in the wake of current President and CEO Manu Asthana's announcement regarding his departure from PJM at the end of 2025 after six years at the helm. With Asthana's exit, David Mills, the Board Chair, reassured stakeholders that if a successor does not emerge by January 1, 2026, he will step in as the interim leader to maintain stability. Mills emphasized that the Board is committed to identifying the ideal candidate who can adeptly manage the array of challenges faced by the energy industry today, reiterating the rigorous search process currently underway.

Founded in 1927, PJM Interconnection plays a vital role in ensuring the reliability of high-voltage electric systems that serve around 67 million people across several states, including portions of Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. PJM is not only responsible for managing the transmission grid, which features over 88,000 miles of lines, but also for administering a competitive wholesale electricity market and planning future transmission expansions aimed at improving grid reliability and alleviating congestion.

PJM’s operations yield significant savings on a yearly basis, estimated between $3.2 billion and $4 billion, reflecting the organization's crucial economic impact. As PJM continues to evolve, the recent executive changes point to a proactive approach in preparing for a sustainable future amid the ever-changing energy landscape. For ongoing updates regarding PJM, stakeholders are encouraged to visit PJM Inside Lines at insidelines.pjm.com.