Avista Executive and Leadership Team

Shahab Esmaeili, the Chief Executive Officer at Avista, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the energy utility company. Esmaeili guides Avista's dual focus on providing essential electric and natural gas services across Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Alaska, while also overseeing the company's diversification into sheet metal fabrication and venture capital investments. This leadership role involves setting the vision for sustainable growth and ensuring the company's robust service infrastructure meets the evolving needs of residential, commercial, and governmental customers. The Chief Executive Officer's mandate includes navigating market dynamics and driving innovation to maintain Avista's position as a critical energy provider and diversified industrial partner. Shahab Esmaeili's strategic direction ensures alignment across all business units, from core utility operations to emerging technology ventures.

Kevin Christie, the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer at Avista, manages the company's financial health and fiscal strategy. Christie oversees all financial operations, including accounting, treasury, investor relations, and capital management, ensuring robust financial planning and reporting for Avista's energy utility and fabrication segments. This critical role involves securing funding for infrastructure development, managing financial risks, and optimizing the company's capital structure across its diverse operations in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Alaska. The Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer also plays a key part in evaluating investment opportunities, including commercial real estate and venture capital funds, aligning financial decisions with Avista's long-term strategic objectives. Kevin Christie's expertise is vital for maintaining financial stability and supporting the company's expansion initiatives.

Mark Gustafson, the President, Avista Development, Inc at Avista, leads the company's strategic development and investment arm. Gustafson directs initiatives focused on commercial real estate ventures and emerging technology venture capital funds, complementing Avista's core energy utility operations. This leadership position involves identifying and nurturing new growth opportunities, managing investment portfolios, and ensuring these ventures align with Avista's overall corporate strategy and financial goals. The President, Avista Development, Inc plays a crucial role in diversifying Avista's revenue streams and exploring innovative business models beyond traditional energy services. Mark Gustafson's focus is on driving value creation through strategic investments and business development, contributing to the company's long-term expansion and market presence.

Alberto Torres Perez, the President & Founder at Avista, established the company's foundation and continues to shape its strategic direction. Torres Perez's leadership guides Avista's core mission of providing essential electric and natural gas services across its extensive service territories. This foundational role involves setting the vision for operational excellence, customer service, and sustainable energy practices. The President & Founder's influence extends to fostering innovation within the company's diverse operations, including its sheet metal fabrication division and investment activities. Alberto Torres Perez's enduring commitment is to ensure Avista remains a reliable provider of energy and a forward-thinking entity in its various business sectors, driving growth and maintaining a strong market position.

Alexis Alexander, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Chief Security Officer at Avista, directs the company's technology strategy and cybersecurity initiatives. Alexander is responsible for managing Avista's information systems, ensuring the secure and efficient operation of its electric and natural gas utility infrastructure across multiple states and Alaska. This leadership position involves architecting robust IT solutions that support core business functions, including generation, distribution, and customer service, while also safeguarding sensitive data and critical infrastructure from cyber threats. The Chief Information Officer and Chief Security Officer also drives digital transformation efforts, enhancing operational efficiency and customer experience through technology. Alexis Alexander's oversight ensures that Avista's technological backbone is secure, scalable, and aligned with the company's mission to provide essential energy services.

Jorge Montoya Cano, the Chief Information Officer & Innovation Chief & Digital Transformation Officer at Avista, spearheads the company's technological advancement and digital strategy. Montoya Cano focuses on integrating innovative solutions across Avista's operations, from its energy utility services in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Alaska, to its sheet metal fabrication business. This multifaceted role involves identifying and implementing cutting-edge technologies to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer engagement, and drive new business opportunities. The Chief Information Officer & Innovation Chief & Digital Transformation Officer champions a culture of innovation, exploring emerging technologies and digital platforms to optimize processes and create value. Jorge Montoya Cano's leadership is crucial for modernizing Avista's technological infrastructure and positioning the company for future growth in a rapidly evolving market.

James Kensok, the Vice President Chief Information Officer and CSO at Avista, oversees the strategic direction of information technology and corporate security. Kensok's responsibilities encompass managing Avista's IT infrastructure, ensuring the integrity and security of its systems that support electric and natural gas services across its operational regions. This role involves developing and implementing comprehensive cybersecurity strategies to protect against evolving threats, safeguarding critical assets and customer data. The Vice President Chief Information Officer and CSO also drives technological initiatives aimed at enhancing operational performance and supporting the company's broader business objectives, including its diversification into fabrication and investment ventures. James Kensok's leadership ensures that Avista's technology and security frameworks are robust, reliable, and aligned with industry best practices.

Bryan Cox, the Senior VP, Safety & Chief People Officer, At Avista, directs the company's comprehensive safety programs and human capital management strategies. Cox oversees the implementation of rigorous safety protocols across all Avista operations, ensuring a secure working environment for employees engaged in electric and natural gas services, fabrication, and development projects. This leadership role also encompasses talent acquisition, employee development, compensation, and fostering a positive organizational culture that supports Avista's mission and values. The Senior VP, Safety & Chief People Officer is instrumental in aligning workforce capabilities with strategic objectives and promoting employee well-being throughout the organization. Bryan Cox's dedication to safety and people management is fundamental to Avista's operational integrity and sustained success.