Drax appoints Duke Energy vet as new chair

(Sharecast News) - UK power generation company Drax has announced it is replacing its long-standing chair Philip Cox with international energy veteran Andrea Bertone. Cox, who has been a non-executive director for nine years, will step down as chair at the end of 2023.

Texas-based Bertone, a lawyer by trade, is the former president of international operations for NYSE-listed Duke Energy, and has held senior legal positions at the company over her 15-year tenure there until 2016.

"Andrea's extensive executive experience in the international energy sector will provide Drax with a deep understanding of global markets and their underpinning regulation, as well as invaluable experience in leading transformative change in multinational businesses," said Drax's chief executive Will Gardiner.

"The breadth of Andrea's non-executive roles in diverse and global businesses will further enhance the experience and capabilities of our board," Gardiner said.

Bertone is currently a non-exec director at three other listed companies: Waste Connections, Amcor and Peabody Energy.

"It is an honour to become chair designate of Drax and join the board at this exciting time in the company's journey," Bertone said in a statement. "As the global transition to net zero intensifies, opportunities are growing in carbon removals, renewable power and biomass."