By Robert Mullin
PORTLAND — Avangrid Renewables CEO Frank Burkhartsmeyer is resigning to take over as chief financial officer for Oregon-based natural gas service provider NW Natural.
Laura Beane, currently vice president of operations and management services at the renewables company, will take over the top spot once Burkhartsmeyer departs May 17.
In an internal memo to company employees, Avangrid CEO Jim Torgerson expressed “regret” over Burkhartsmeyer’s departure from the renewable energy company. Headquartered in Portland, Avangrid Renewables is a division of Connecticut-based Avangrid, the North American subsidiary of Spanish energy giant Iberdrola.
“Avangrid Renewables has grown under his leadership as CEO since 2015,” Torgerson said. Burkhartsmeyer, who has been with Avangrid and its previous affiliates for 20 years, was promoted to CEO after serving as the company’s senior vice president of finance. At NW Natural, Burkhartsmeyer will oversee the $3.1 billion company’s treasury, accounting, financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting, financial analysis, investor relations, business development, and supply chain activities.
“We are thrilled to have someone with Frank’s impressive experience on our officer team,” NW Natural CEO David Anderson said in a statement.
Beane joined Avangrid Renewables in 2007 after the company acquired PPM from Scottish Power. She had worked for 10 years at PPM under its previous parent, PacifiCorp.
“We are delighted to add Laura’s breadth of experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to the Avangrid Management Committee,” Torgerson said.
Avangrid Renewables has more than $10 billion in operating assets, representing more than 6,000 MW of capacity in 20 U.S. states.
