Canadian pipeline and energy infrastructure giant Enbridge has named Michele Harradence as its next president and chief executive, putting the executive who oversaw the expansion of its gas utility business in charge as the company continues to grow its North American natural gas portfolio.
Harradence will take over as president and CEO and join Enbridge's board on January 1, 2027, after current chief executive Greg Ebel retires on December 31, 2026.
Ebel will remain an adviser to Harradence and the board from January through May 2027, Enbridge said Tuesday.
Harradence is currently executive vice president and president of Gas Distribution and Storage and has led Enbridge's gas utilities business since 2022. Her appointment follows a multi-year succession planning process by the company's board.
The leadership change comes after a period of significant expansion for Enbridge, particularly in natural gas. Under Ebel, the company acquired three U.S. gas utilities from Dominion Energy, substantially increasing its regulated utility footprint.
Harradence helped oversee the integration of those businesses, which Enbridge says have contributed to the creation of one of North America's largest integrated natural gas utility platforms. The company's utilities now serve around 7.2 million customers across Canada and the United States.
Before leading the utilities division, Harradence was chief operating officer of Enbridge's Gas Transmission and Midstream business in Houston. She joined Enbridge in 2014 following senior roles at Shell Canada and has also worked in Canada's oil sands and refining sectors.
The succession places an executive with extensive natural gas experience at the helm as Enbridge increasingly emphasizes gas infrastructure alongside its traditional liquids pipeline operations.
Enbridge operates crude oil and liquids pipelines, gas transmission and storage systems, regulated gas utilities and renewable power assets. The company also has a European offshore wind portfolio.
Ebel became Enbridge CEO in January 2023 after previously serving as chairman following the company's 2017 merger with Spectra Energy, where he had been chief executive.
During his tenure, Enbridge built what it describes as a $41 billion growth project backlog while expanding its natural gas platform and strengthening its position across North American energy infrastructure.
Harradence will inherit that investment program at a time when pipeline and gas infrastructure operators are positioning for rising natural gas demand from LNG exports, power generation and industrial customers across North America.
By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com
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