Melissa Sonberg, who previously led human resources at loyalty program company Aimia, has been appointed chair of Hydro One Limited’s board of directors.
The appointment takes effect immediately, the Toronto-based electricity transmission and distribution company announced Wednesday.
Sonberg, who has served on Hydro One’s board since August 2018, replaces Timothy Hodgson, who resigned as chair in April after taking unpaid leave to run for political office. Susan Wolburgh Jenah had served as interim chair since March.
Extensive corporate background
Sonberg brings significant corporate leadership experience to the role, having held senior executive positions at Aimia from 2001 to 2013. She served as senior vice-president of human resources and corporate affairs, and later as senior vice-president of global brands, communications and external affairs at the Montreal-based company.
Before joining Aimia, she was part of the founding executive team of Aeroplan, which later became part of Aimia. She also held leadership positions at Air Canada in customer-facing, operational and corporate functions.
Most recently, Sonberg worked as a professor of practice at McGill University’s Desautels Faculty of Management from 2014 to 2024.
“It is a privilege to assume the role as Chair of the Board of Directors at such a pivotal time for Ontario’s growth,” said Sonberg. “I extend my sincere thanks to Susan Wolburgh Jenah for her leadership as Interim Chair. I look forward to working with the Board and management as we continue to invest in a safe and reliable electricity system to help drive Ontario’s prosperity.”
Multiple board roles
Sonberg currently sits on several other corporate boards, including Exchange Income Corporation, Athennian, Enghouse Systems Inc., Canada Post Corporation and the Canadian Foundation for Governance Research.
She holds a bachelor of science in psychology from McGill University and a master of health administration from the University of Ottawa. She also has her ICD.D designation and is a certified human resource executive.
Ontario’s largest electricity provider
Hydro One serves 1.5 million customers across Ontario and reported annual revenues of $8.5 billion in 2024. The company has $36.7 billion in assets and employs 10,100 people.
The utility invested $3.1 billion in its transmission and distribution networks in 2024 and spent $2.9 billion on goods and services.
Hydro One’s common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol H.
