By Suzanne Herel

Mike Kormos, executive vice president and chief operations officer for PJM, is leaving the RTO on April 15 after 27 years.

Kormos had sought last year to replace retiring CEO Terry Boston, but the post went to Andy Ott, who had long been Kormos’ equal on the organizational chart, with Kormos heading up operations and Ott running the markets.

Formerly executive vice president of operations, Kormos was given his current title and additional responsibility over the RTO’s state and member services in June, as part of a string of organizational changes set off by Ott’s promotion. But with Boston gone and Ott in place, Kormos’ career had hit a ceiling at PJM. (See Boston Retirement Prompts Additional Promotions at PJM.)

“We are grateful for Mike’s countless contributions to PJM,” Ott said in a statement. “His relentless focus on driving operational excellence has helped solidify our reputation as a grid operator. After a very long career with PJM, he has decided that it is time to move on and pursue something new. The entire executive team and I wish him the best in his future.”

In addition to overseeing state and member services, Kormos is responsible for system operations, planning and corporate compliance functions.

The RTO said that Kormos’ position would not be filled and that his responsibilities will be transferred to other members of the executive team. Until then, Ott will assume those functions.

“We have a strong management team that will carry on the day-to-day operations and execution of PJM’s long-term strategy,” Ott said.

Kormos’ top deputy, Mike Bryson, was promoted to vice president of operations, from executive director of system operations, in June.

“Mike Kormos has been a great contributor to PJM, and he’ll be missed,” said Joe Bowring, PJM’s Independent Market Monitor.

A PJM spokeswoman said Kormos has not indicated his future plans. Kormos could not be reached for comment.