Bahamas Grid Company Appoints Ryan Holder as COO
Bahamas Grid Company (BGC) has named energy and infrastructure leader Ryan Holder as its new Chief Operating Officer, reinforcing the firm’s shift to a self-sufficient, entirely Bahamian leadership group as it advances with a $130 million renovation of New Providence’s electrical grid.
Holder, with substantial global energy and sustainability expertise from Canada, partners with CEO Dareo McKenzie and Chief Financial Officer Gladys Fernander in leading BGC. Their appointments come after the completion of Island Grid Solutions’ (IGS) management role in April.
BGC stated that Holder has held high-level positions at Metrolinx, the Ontario Energy Board, and the Bahamas Electricity Corporation, with expertise in utility coordination, regulatory compliance, capital project management, stakeholder engagement, and risk mitigation.
His prior experience includes engineering design for significant projects in The Bahamas, such as the Baha Mar resort project and the revitalization of Lynden Pindling International Airport.
Holder stated, “Younger Bahamians need to witness individuals like themselves spearheading energy transformation in this nation and heading firms such as BGC.”
"I believe that Bahamians possess the same capability as anyone else to lead this organization and implement the essential transformative changes required to modernize the energy sector in this nation," Holder adds.
McKenzie expressed support for the appointment, noting that Holder’s selection highlights BGC’s dedication to Bahamian leadership.
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“By selecting Ryan as COO, we anticipate a leader with a demonstrated history in utility coordination, regulatory adherence, and executing complex infrastructure initiatives,” McKenzie stated.
Holder has more than twenty years of experience, which encompasses leadership positions at Metrolinx, the Ontario Energy Board, and the Bahamas Electricity Corporation.
His proficiency includes capital project management, stakeholder involvement, and risk mitigation, all essential for operational excellence and strategic development. Significantly, his leadership background encompasses the engineering design of significant projects like the Baha Mar Resort Development and the Nassau International Airport Redevelopment, showcasing his capability to oversee extensive initiatives, collaborate with various stakeholders, and achieve results in demanding circumstances.
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McKenzie stated that Holder's guidance would be crucial in building trust both inside the company and with its external partners.
"As CEO, I feel lucky to have Mr. Holder as my COO and I see him as an outstanding addition to our entirely Bahamian-led team at BGC," he stated.
BGC announced it has allocated around $130 million over the last two years for essential improvements to New Providence's transmission and distribution systems.
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The company stated that, as it continues its management transition under Bahamian leadership, its priority is to modernize the grid and enhance the reliability and resilience of the island’s electricity network.