Xcel Energy COO to Retire This Summer
Xcel Energy Inc. has announced that Timothy O’Connor, executive vice president and chief operations officer, will retire this summer after nearly two decades of dedicated service to the company. O’Connor’s departure marks a significant transition in Xcel Energy’s leadership team, and in line with the company’s well-structured succession planning, two internal executive appointments have been made. These leadership changes will take effect on May 1, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity in Xcel Energy’s operational excellence.
Leadership Transitions and New Appointments
To support the company’s strategic goals and operational needs, Scott Sharp and Michael Lamb have been appointed to new leadership roles within the company’s executive team.
- Scott Sharp will assume the role of executive vice president and chief generation officer, where he will take on the additional responsibility of overseeing Xcel Energy’s Nuclear division. This expanded portfolio includes Energy Supply and Commercial Operations, ensuring a holistic approach to power generation and nuclear energy management.
- Michael Lamb will take over as executive vice president and chief delivery officer. He has led the company’s Customer Delivery group since last year, overseeing critical business areas such as Electric Distribution and Transmission, Gas Distribution and Transmission, Wildfire Risk Management, and Operations Process & Performance. In his new role, he will also take responsibility for the Major Projects Group. Additionally, Lamb will serve as the coordinating officer for the Operations, Nuclear, Environmental, and Safety (ONES) committee of the Xcel Energy board of directors.
Both Sharp and Lamb will join the company’s Executive Committee and report directly to Bob Frenzel, chairman, president, and CEO of Xcel Energy. Meanwhile, O’Connor will transition into an advisory role through August, working closely with Frenzel to provide insights and ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities.
O’Connor’s Legacy at Xcel Energy
Timothy O’Connor has played an instrumental role in shaping Xcel Energy’s operational strategies and enhancing its nuclear and power generation capabilities. Since joining the company in 2007 as a vice president at the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant in Minnesota, O’Connor has contributed significantly to the company’s growth and operational excellence. He led the Nuclear group for eight years before being promoted to executive vice president and chief generation officer in 2020. The following year, he took on his current role as chief operations officer.
O’Connor’s extensive background in nuclear energy and power plant operations has positioned him as a valuable leader in the industry. Over the years, he has represented Xcel Energy on several executive advisory groups, including:
- Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory Nuclear Science and Technology areas – Contributing to the advancement of nuclear science and technology.
- Holtec Decommissioning Advisory Board – Providing strategic insights on decommissioning nuclear facilities.
- Nuclear Energy Institute’s Industry Labor Management Committee – Addressing key workforce and industry concerns.
- Terrestrial Energy Industry Advisory Committee – Supporting next-generation nuclear energy advancements.
- Institute of Nuclear Power Operations – Participating in a reverse-loaned assignment to promote best practices and operational improvements.
Reflecting on O’Connor’s tenure, CEO Bob Frenzel expressed gratitude for his leadership and contributions:
“Xcel Energy benefits from a strong pipeline of leadership that we have built – and continue to build – over time so that we are prepared for change when it inevitably occurs. Our company has been extremely fortunate to benefit from Tim’s four decades of nuclear and operations experience, and we appreciate his years of dedicated service to our employees, customers, and communities.”
Scott Sharp’s Journey and Vision for Power Generation
Scott Sharp, who has been with Xcel Energy since 2000, brings over three decades of experience in power plant operations and energy supply management. His leadership roles at the company have included:
- Senior Vice President, Energy Supply and Commercial Operations – Managing power generation assets and commercial energy strategies.
- Site Vice President, Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant in Minnesota – Overseeing nuclear plant operations and safety.
- Vice President, Nuclear Operations – Ensuring regulatory compliance and operational efficiency within the company’s nuclear division.
In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Sharp is actively involved in industry and nonprofit initiatives. He serves on the nonprofit board of the Carpenter Nature Center in Minnesota and contributes to the NuScale Advisory Board and Small Modular Reactor Start Board, focusing on the development and promotion of next-generation nuclear technologies.
As he steps into his new role, Sharp will leverage his expertise to enhance Xcel Energy’s nuclear capabilities, optimize power generation strategies, and support the company’s commitment to clean energy initiatives. His leadership will be crucial as Xcel Energy continues its transition towards a more sustainable energy future.
Michael Lamb’s Leadership in Energy Delivery
Michael Lamb, a veteran leader at Xcel Energy, has been with the company since 1985 and has held multiple key positions, including:
- Senior Vice President, Customer Delivery – Overseeing electric and gas distribution, transmission, and customer service.
- Senior Vice President, Transmission – Managing the company’s extensive transmission network.
- Vice President, Enterprise Transformation Office & Operating Services – Driving strategic transformation initiatives across the organization.
Lamb is also an active participant in various industry groups and nonprofit organizations. He serves on the boards of the Association of Edison Illuminating Companies, American Gas Association, Southern Gas Association, and Minndependent. His extensive experience in utility operations, safety, and infrastructure development makes him well-suited to lead Xcel Energy’s energy delivery efforts.
In his new capacity as chief delivery officer, Lamb will focus on improving service reliability, expanding grid infrastructure, and enhancing wildfire risk management strategies. His leadership will play a pivotal role in maintaining the company’s commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
The Future of Xcel Energy Under New Leadership
As Xcel Energy navigates this leadership transition, the company remains committed to its core mission of delivering safe, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions. CEO Bob Frenzel expressed confidence in Sharp and Lamb’s ability to drive the company forward:
“Scott and Michael have a combined nearly 65 years of service with Xcel Energy. Their deep organizational acumen, focused on safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, will allow us to continue to make energy work better for our customers every day. I look forward to working with them in their new roles and continuing to benefit from their leadership and expertise.”
With Sharp overseeing power generation and nuclear operations, and Lamb leading energy delivery and infrastructure initiatives, Xcel Energy is well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of the energy sector. Their combined expertise and leadership will support the company’s goals of enhancing sustainability, integrating advanced technologies, and maintaining high standards of operational efficiency.
