Executive Management Team

Our Executive Management Team has a depth of experience in energy and related fields. They are responsible for guiding the strategic direction of the company and oversees the day-to-day activities of Powerex and its employees. Members are:

Mark Holman

Acting CEO & Chief Commercial Officer

Mark leads Powerex’s commercial strategy across all product lines, while focusing on Powerex’s executive relationships with its many trade partners. Mark has 23 years of experience at Powerex and has led Powerex’s wholesale electricity business since 2010. Prior to joining Powerex, Mark worked in portfolio management in the mid-1990s and led an internet technology company from 1999 to 2001. Mark has a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from the University of British Columbia and is a CFA® Charterholder.

Amit Budhwar

Director, Risk Management

Amit is responsible for the Risk Management Group, tasked with measuring and mitigating market, credit and operational risks inherent in a business actively trading in the North American Energy markets. As part of the Powerex Executive Team, he assists with day-to-day governance and providing long-term strategic direction to the company. Prior to joining Powerex, Amit gained experience through delivering derivatives modelling and management solutions to companies involved in the financial markets, including banks, hedge funds, government agencies and regulators, accounting firms, and software consulting and service firms. He has participated in various industry risk organizations including the Committee of Chief Risk Officers (CCRO). Amit holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems Engineering from Imperial College in London, and an MBA from the University of British Columbia, specializing in Finance.

Rob Campbell

Managing Director, Environmental Products and Gas

Rob is responsible for analytics, marketing, business development, gas trading, forward trading and Powerex's activity in renewable and carbon markets. Rob joined Powerex in 2007 and has been active in electricity trading since 1996. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Queens University, and an MBA (Finance) from the University of British Columbia. Prior to joining Powerex, Rob was Head Trader at TransAlta Energy Marketing.

Frank Durnford

Executive Director, Market Policy

Frank leads Powerex's Market Policy team, which is responsible for Powerex’s market advocacy and policy initiatives including energy market design and regulation, clean and renewable energy policy, and transmission tariffs. Frank joined Powerex in 2021 and brings over 16 years of legal and regulatory experience, including over a decade as in-house counsel with a major North American diversified energy company and a district energy and water utility.

Frank holds an LL. B. from Dalhousie University, in addition to a Post-Graduate Diploma from Säid Business School at the University of Oxford and an Undergraduate degree from Memorial University.

Julie Mantle

Director, People & Culture

Julie was appointed HR Director in September 2008, coming to Powerex from Intrawest where she was Director of Employee Experience and responsible for a team of twelve HR professionals based in Vancouver, the U.S. and Europe. She was accountable for a full range of HR activities, programs, and initiatives, including strategic workforce planning, performance management, compensation and benefits, and HRIS. Prior to working for Intrawest, Julie held various positions within the Provincial Health Services Agency, including Manager of HR for Children's & Women's Health Centre, Senior Labour Relations Advisor, and Manager of Employee Services. Julie has a Bachelor of Arts from Simon Fraser University, and a Diploma in Human Resources Management from BCIT. Julie brings to the Executive Team her HR skills and experience in performance management, employer relations, compensation, organizational design, and leadership coaching.

Jay Ratzlaff

Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, Corporate Secretary

As member of Powerex's Executive Team, Jay is responsible for the Legal & Compliance group and is the company’s Corporate Secretary. Jay joined Powerex in 2005, and has experience in a wide variety of legal areas including energy, renewable energy, corporate and commercial, finance, bankruptcy & insolvency, regulatory, corporate governance and environmental law. Jay previously practiced at the Calgary law firm of Burnet Duckworth & Palmer LLP as a solicitor in their corporate and commercial group.

Jeff Spires

Managing Director, Power

Jeff is responsible for Powerex’s wholesale electricity business. Jeff joined Powerex in 2003 and brings over 20 years of experience in various trading roles across the organization. Jeff is also a leader for Powerex in its industry engagement on regional electricity markets and other initiatives. Jeff has a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from the University of British Columbia and is a CFA® Charterholder.

Orang Towfigh

Chief Information Officer

Orang leads the Information Technology (IT) team which crafts and executes the organization's IT strategy, ensuring seamless support for its 24/7 business operations. Leveraging leading-edge technologies, his team maintains a robust and secure IT infrastructure across Powerex's offices and data centers. They also pioneer custom solutions, empowering Powerex with top-tier market intelligence and transaction capabilities. Comprising operational, architectural, development, and cybersecurity specialists, the IT team embodies Powerex's commitment to excellence. Orang, who joined Powerex in 2006, holds a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University and previously worked at Ernst & Young.