TransAlta Corporation is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Politeski as Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer (EVP and CFO) and Grant Arnold as Executive Vice President, Growth and Chief Commercial Officer (EVP and CCO), effective May 1, 2026 and May 6, 2026, respectively. The appointments correspond with the transition of current EVP and CFO, Joel Hunter, to the role of President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective April 30, 2026, following the retirement of current President and CEO, John Kousinioris.
“I am very pleased to welcome Mike and Grant to TransAlta’s leadership team. Mike’s financial expertise, sound judgment and strategic perspective will be instrumental in supporting long-term value creation,” said Joel Hunter, incoming President and CEO. “Grant’s track record in successfully originating and executing projects, along with his strong commercial acumen and stakeholder relationships, will drive the execution of our growth priorities. As I step into the President and CEO role at the end of April, I am confident that Mike and Grant will strengthen TransAlta’s high-calibre leadership team that will execute our strategy focused on disciplined growth and operational excellence,” concluded Mr. Hunter.
Mr. Politeski has over 25 years of experience across capital markets, financial strategy, risk, treasury, financial reporting and tax. Over the course of his career, he has played a significant role in large-scale transactions and business transformation, and brings deep experience in investor relations, governance and capital allocation. Most recently, Mr. Politeski served as Senior Vice President, Finance & Treasurer at Veren Inc. (previously Crescent Point Energy Corporation). He holds a Bachelor of Commerce with Distinction from the University of Saskatchewan and a CPA designation.
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“TransAlta’s solid financial foundation, talented people and distinct asset base, position the Company to generate long-term value in a dynamic market. I look forward to working with the team, the Board of Directors and the investment community to deliver results and build upon an established platform,” said Mike Politeski, incoming EVP and CFO.
Mr. Arnold brings over 30 years of leadership, commercial and technical experience in the power generation and energy sector. He served as President and CEO of BluEarth Renewables Inc., where he led the company through significant growth, expanding its operating and development portfolio across North America. Prior to that, he held senior roles at Suncor Energy across natural gas exploration and development, operations and renewables. Mr. Arnold holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Calgary, along with a Master of Engineering and Bachelor of Science, both in Civil Engineering, from the University of Alberta.
“The electricity sector is going through radical change. TransAlta has the track record, scale and commercial breadth to grow successfully with what the market needs. This is an exciting new phase and I’m happy to be part of it,” said Grant Arnold, incoming EVP and CCO.
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