Bahamas Grid Company (BGC) has appointed Ryan Holder as its new chief operating officer as the company moves to a “fully independent, all-Bahamian-led management team”.

Mr Holder brings more than 15 years of international energy and sustainability experience, including work in Canada, and has held senior roles with Metrolinx, the Ontario Energy Board and the Bahamas Electricity Corporation.

His appointment follows the end of Island Grid Solutions’ (IGS) management role in April and the appointments of BGC chief executive Dareo McKenzie and chief financial officer Gladys Fernander.

Mr Holder said having Bahamians in leadership positions was important as the country works to transform its energy sector.

“It is important for younger Bahamians to see people like themselves at the forefront of energy transformation in this country and leading companies like BGC,” he said.

“It is my belief that Bahamians are equally as capable as anyone else to lead this organisation and bring about the necessary transformational changes needed to modernise the energy sector in this country.”

Mr McKenzie said Mr Holder’s experience in utility coordination, regulatory compliance and major infrastructure projects would support BGC’s operations as it continues to modernise the grid.

“Mr. Holder brings over two decades of experience that includes senior roles at Metrolinx, the Ontario Energy Board, and the Bahamas Electricity Corporation,” said Mr McKenzie.

His experience includes capital project management, stakeholder engagement and risk reduction, as well as engineering planning for major developments including the Baha Mar resort and Nassau International Airport redevelopment.

Mr McKenzie said Mr Holder’s leadership would also be important in strengthening relationships within BGC and with external partners.

“As CEO, I consider myself fortunate to have Mr. Holder as my COO and I welcome him as an exceptional addition to our all-Bahamian led team here at BGC,” he said.

BGC said it has invested approximately $130m over the past two years in critical infrastructure upgrades aimed at strengthening New Providence’s electricity grid.

The company said it will continue to focus on grid modernisation, reliability and resiliency as it transitions to an independently managed operation.