Pedro Azagra takes helm at Iberdrola, Avangrid renews its leadership team

Pedro Azagra, previously CEO of Avangrid Inc., has been appointed CEO of Iberdrola S.A., the Spanish group to which the American company belongs. The decision was made by Ignacio Galán, Executive Chairman of Iberdrola, and the group’s Board of Directors.

Strategic succession at Avangrid

Azagra had been CEO of Avangrid since May 2022, after serving as Chief Development Officer at Iberdrola. During his tenure, he led Avangrid through a period marked by the consequences of the pandemic, record inflation and global supply chain disruptions. Previously, he executed more than 120 transactions valued above $120bn, leading Iberdrola’s international expansion notably into the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil and Japan.

To succeed Azagra, Jose Antonio Miranda has been appointed CEO of Avangrid, while Kimberly Harriman becomes Deputy CEO. Miranda had served as CEO of Avangrid Power since October 2021 and previously held various positions at Siemens Gamesa and ABB. Under his leadership, Avangrid Power expanded its generation capacity to over 10 gigawatts in the United States, providing energy to more than 3.1 million customers.

Experience and continuity in governance

Kimberly Harriman, who joined Avangrid in December 2020, previously held the position of Senior Vice President responsible for Public and Regulatory Affairs. In this role, she managed governmental relations and regulatory issues for Avangrid subsidiaries across several U.S. states, including New York, Connecticut and Maine.

Before joining Avangrid, Harriman spent over 20 years dealing with energy-related issues within New York State. She notably held the position of Senior Vice President for Public and Regulatory Affairs at the New York Power Authority and served as General Counsel for the New York State Department of Public Service.

A new chapter for Iberdrola

The reshuffle at the top of both companies comes as Iberdrola continues its strategy of consolidation in international markets, with a particular focus on the U.S. market. Azagra will notably be tasked with furthering the Spanish group’s global expansion by leveraging his experience gained in the United States.

The Iberdrola group operates through several listed companies, such as Neoenergia S.A., listed on the São Paulo Stock Exchange. Azagra is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Edison Electric Institute in the United States and a trustee at Yale New Haven Hospital.