Trent University alumnus, Ken Hartwick, is president & CEO of the Ontario Power Generation (OPG), one of the most diverse electricity generators in North America. Since joining OPG in 2016 he has taken the company in a new, sustainable direction—launching Canada’s first utility green bond, expanding to the U.S. through the acquisition of Eagle Creek Renewable Energy LLC, and initiating an energy storage partnership.
In 2022, Mr. Hartwick was the proud recipient of Trent’s Distinguished Alumni award, given to those who demonstrate leadership in business, industry, a profession, or in public life. The award was presented to him during the 2022 Trent Alumni lecture, Leading by Example: The Importance of Values-Driven Leadership in our Ever-Evolving Technical World, where he spoke about the value of his Trent education. “Trent is a small university that packs a big punch,” he says. “I believe that having the chance to interact with faculty and participate more actively in smaller breakoff sessions was a real benefit to developing my ability to deal with more senior people quickly in my career,” says Mr. Hartwick.
When asked about leadership characteristics, it’s not surprising that he turns to two hallmarks of a Trent education – curiosity and lifelong learning. “If you’re curious and want to learn, your mind is always open,” he says. “I see this in the young people that work with us. The curious ones who want to learn tend to solve amazingly complex problems, so be curious, have the desire to learn, and you’ll be amazed at what happens,” he says.
In keeping with his love of education and his alma mater, Mr. Hartwick has served as former Chair of Trent University’s Unleash the Potential Campaign and as a former member of the Trent Board of Governors.
