VALLEY FORGE, PA — PJM Interconnection has appointed industry veteran Aftab Khan as its new Executive Vice President – Operations, Planning & Security. The announcement comes as the company grapples with the challenges presented by a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
Khan, who is set to assume his new role on March 11, 2024, brings a wealth of experience in engineering and operations to PJM. He will report directly to PJM President and CEO Manu Asthana and will oversee grid operations, transmission planning, cybersecurity, and physical security, along with business continuity.
Asthana welcomed the appointment, stating, “We welcome the experience, expertise, and leadership Aftab brings to this important new role, which was created to support grid reliability during this increasingly complex energy transition.”
Khan’s appointment underscores the growing importance of operational excellence in the energy sector. As part of PJM’s executive team, he will work alongside the CEO, other executive team members, and the Reliability & Security Committee of the PJM Board. His role will involve coordinating PJM’s grid operations and transmission planning, ensuring both cybersecurity and physical security for the organization, and overseeing business continuity efforts.
Before joining PJM, Khan served as Senior Vice President of Engineering at Eversource Energy, where he led a team of over 1,000 people focused on transmission and distribution system planning, asset management, grid modernization, and other key areas. He also held various roles at GE and ABB, providing him with extensive experience in grid solutions and power systems.
Khan holds an MBA in operations and finance from Carnegie Mellon University, a master’s degree in electric power engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Alaska.
Speaking about his appointment, Khan said, “I am eager to help PJM take on the many challenges presented by the energy transition. PJM’s creation of this new role shows the company’s commitment to seeking comprehensive solutions that emphasize reliability and security as the system evolves.”
Khan’s appointment comes at a critical juncture for the energy industry, as it navigates the shift towards more sustainable and renewable sources of power. His extensive experience in grid operations and planning, coupled with his expertise in cybersecurity and business continuity, makes him well-suited to steer PJM through this complex transition. Industry watchers will be keenly observing how his leadership influences PJM’s operational strategies and contributes to its mission of ensuring a reliable and secure energy grid.
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