PJM has promoted a trio of executives while it continues its search for a new CEO.
“This new structure will strengthen our executive team and allow the incoming CEO to focus early on the external work of building strong relationships with stakeholders, regulators and state leaders, and navigating the evolving energy landscape,” David Mills, chair of the RTO’s Board of Managers, said in an announcement of the leadership changes. (See PJM CEO Manu Asthana Announces Year-end Resignation.)
Stu Bresler was elevated to COO from executive vice president of market services and strategy, putting him in charge of core departments such as operations, markets and planning. He has been with the RTO for more than 30 years.
Executive Vice President of Operations, Planning and Security Aftab Khan was promoted to chief strategy officer, setting him up to “lead cross-functional initiatives and drive organizational transformation to ensure sustainable success and alignment,” according to the announcement. He served as senior vice president of engineering for Eversource Energy before joining PJM in 2024 and previously worked at General Electric and ABB.
Vice President of Market Design and Economics Adam Keech was made senior vice president of market services. He has been with PJM since 2003, having overseen NERC compliance and real-time market operations, among other roles.
PJM spokesperson Jeff Shields said the new titles redefine the three executives’ duties, and the prior positions will not be backfilled. He noted that PJM’s last COO was Mike Kormos, who left in 2016. (See PJM COO Kormos Leaving; Post Won’t be Filled.)
The announcement also said the search for a replacement for Manu Asthana, who serves as president and CEO, is proceeding. He announced his resignation April 14, with the intention for it to be effective at the end of 2025.
If a new CEO is not in place by Jan. 1, 2026, Mills will take over as interim president and CEO while the search continues.
“The board is committed to finding the best candidate to lead PJM through the numerous challenges facing the industry, and that meticulous process continues,” Mills said in the announcement.
