AES Ohio Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

AES Ohio has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, grid operations, financial planning, and regional management.

Focused on modernizing energy infrastructure, AES Ohio delivers reliable electric utility services across the Miami Valley while advancing smart grid technology to improve customer billing and service experiences.

Leadership Roles at AES Ohio

  • Chief Executive Officer - Daren Bolton
  • Chief Financial Officer - Nicole Thomson
  • Chief Operating Officer - Waleed Riaz
  • President - Johnny Terlesky
  • Daren Bolton - Chief Executive Officer

    Daren Bolton, the Chief Executive Officer at AES Ohio, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Overseeing the transition toward a modernized energy grid, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that all long-term infrastructure investments align with the evolving needs of the Miami Valley. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to maintain regulatory compliance while driving operational excellence across the entire utility network. By prioritizing grid reliability and sustainable energy delivery, Daren Bolton directly impacts the company's ability to serve diverse customer segments within a deregulated market. The Chief Executive Officer also manages high-level stakeholder relationships, ensuring that the company remains a cornerstone of regional energy stability. Through rigorous oversight of capital allocation and technological integration, the Chief Executive Officer secures the future of the utility, fostering a culture of innovation and service reliability that defines the current market position.

    Nicole Thomson - Chief Financial Officer

    Nicole Thomson, the Chief Financial Officer at AES Ohio, directs the fiscal strategy and financial reporting processes for the organization. Overseeing the allocation of capital for grid modernization projects, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that all investments yield measurable improvements in billing systems and customer service experiences. This leadership role involves managing complex financial models to support the company's participation in the deregulated energy market. By optimizing revenue cycles and controlling operational costs, Nicole Thomson directly impacts the financial health of the utility. The Chief Financial Officer also coordinates with regulatory bodies to ensure transparent financial practices, maintaining the trust of stakeholders and customers alike. Through rigorous analysis of market trends and historical usage data, the Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary insights to guide long-term growth, ensuring that the company remains fiscally resilient while delivering essential electric utility services to the entire Miami Valley region.

    Waleed Riaz - Chief Operating Officer

    Waleed Riaz, the Chief Operating Officer at AES Ohio, manages the daily execution of energy delivery and grid maintenance protocols. Overseeing the technical implementation of the Smart Grid plan, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all field operations meet strict safety and efficiency standards. This leadership role involves coordinating with engineering teams to optimize power distribution across the Miami Valley, reducing downtime and enhancing service quality for residential and commercial clients. By streamlining internal workflows, Waleed Riaz directly impacts the operational capacity of the utility. The Chief Operating Officer also monitors grid performance metrics to identify areas for modernization, ensuring that the physical infrastructure supports the company's commitment to reliable energy. Through constant assessment of field logistics and maintenance schedules, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the integrity of the electrical network, providing a robust foundation for the company's broader service goals and regional energy objectives.
    Waleed Riaz

    Johnny Terlesky - President

    Johnny Terlesky, the President at AES Ohio, drives the regional market strategy and customer engagement initiatives. Overseeing the integration of Competitive Retail Electric Service providers, the President ensures that the supplier portal functions as a seamless tool for pricing and registration. This leadership role involves fostering strong relationships with regional partners to expand the reach of energy services across the Miami Valley. By championing customer-centric programs, Johnny Terlesky directly impacts the overall service experience and market competitiveness of the utility. The President also collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align regional operations with the company's broader mission of grid reliability and technological advancement. Through active management of external partnerships and community outreach, the President secures the company's reputation as a reliable energy provider, ensuring that all regional operations support the overarching goal of providing consistent, high-quality electric utility services to every customer within the service territory.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding AES Ohio Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads AES Ohio?
    AES Ohio is led by Daren Bolton (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Nicole Thomson (Chief Financial Officer) and Waleed Riaz (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of AES Ohio’s executive team?
    The executive team of AES Ohio includes leaders such as Daren Bolton (Chief Executive Officer), Nicole Thomson (Chief Financial Officer), Waleed Riaz (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does AES Ohio have?
    AES Ohio has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in AES Ohio’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of AES Ohio includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President.