PG&E Hires Former NTSB Chair as Safety Advisor
"We are also pleased to welcome Christopher Hart as an independent safety advisor," said John Simon, interim CEO of the corporation. "We welcome his insights as we confront the growing wildfire threat and commit to advancing the highest standards of transparency and safety."
PG&E Corporation announced that it is hiring Christopher Hart, former chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, to serve as a special independent safety advisor and also has appointed Fred Buckman, former CEO of Consumers Energy and PacifiCorp, to the boards of directors of both the corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. PG&E reported both actions are aimed at strengthening the company's safety culture.
Buckman is serving as a new independent director, effective immediately, and replaces Richard Kelly, who resigned as a director of each board. Hart will report directly to PG&E Corporation CEO and President Bill Johnson.
Nora Mead Brownell, chair of the PG&E Corporation board, welcomed Buckman, saying he "brings years of utility operations experience over a multi-state service region, including California, and we are confident his industry background will complement the strengths and expertise of PG&E's substantially refreshed boards. Dr. Buckman shares our core belief that safety and operational excellence are critical to the success of PG&E, and is committed to ensuring that these remain the boards' highest priorities."
"We are also pleased to welcome Christopher Hart as an independent safety advisor," said John Simon, interim CEO of the corporation. "As we enter another fire season, we can't overemphasize the importance of safety. Retaining a former industry regulator with Mr. Hart's expertise reflects that commitment to strengthening our safety culture. He brings years of administrative experience overseeing complex, hazardous industries to ensure they operate safely. We welcome his insights as we confront the growing wildfire threat and commit to advancing the highest standards of transparency and safety."
In connection with these changes, the company will propose to increase the maximum size of the PG&E Corporation board to 15 directors, which will be voted on at the company's annual meeting. In filling the 15th director position, the boards will focus on identifying candidates with strong clean energy/clean technology experience, a background in network and customer technology, strong ties to California, and expertise in California's clean energy goals.