Executive Interview
Executive Interviews
An Interview with
Jacqueline Teo
Head of Digital
CLP
Since 1901,CLP operate a vertically-integrated electricity supply business in Hong Kong – which includes generation, transmission and distribution, and retail – and serve 80 percent of the territory's population. Through our partnership with China Southern Power Grid International (HK) Co., Limited in Castle Peak Power Company Limited (CAPCO), we operate the Castle Peak Power Station, Black Point Power Station, Penny’s Bay Power Station and the landfill gas power generation project (WE Station) at the West New Territories Landfill site. The gross capacity (operation / under construction) totals 8,268MW (as at 30 June 2022). We also import power from Guangdong Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station. In addition, we manage over 16,600 kilometres of transmission and distribution lines and over 15,500 substations.
Publish Date:
5 October 2022
Tell us about your background, and what are you most passionate about?
My career spans 20+ years of leading significant global transformations and global technology teams. My key strengths are growing technology-based businesses, leading in a start-up environment and large-scale change. I am an advocate for creative uses of technology that improves our lives. I am passionate about diversity and inclusion, and sustainable change.
Describe a time you had to make a tough decision (e.g. budget cuts, organizational restructuring, market withdrawal, etc.). What did you do and what was the result?
I had to lay off one thid of staff when the government revoked our licenses to operate, with a directive to cease operations within a short period. This was followed by a decision by our Board to exit from all International markets and a subsequent wind down of a substantial business unit. It was a gut wrenchingperiod but I perserved to execute the strategy.
How would others define your communication style? Do you prefer to be close to your employees or maintain a healthy distance, and why?
My communication style tends to be expressive and interpersonal. After all, my roles are always about managing geographically diverse, multicultural teams with different professional backgrounds. I enjoy getting to know my collegues personally as it helps me better understand their humanity and value drivers, what motivates them and what interests they have outside of work. Mainly I celebrate our diversity.
How has the industry been changing in recent years? What do you think are the biggest challenges your industry will face in the next 5 years?
Pressured by the climate crisis, policymakers and investors, ESG goals and disclosures will continue to be a top focus for the utilities industry.
Utilities are making room on their balance sheets for investments in renewables through divestures.
As climate change continues to manifest, utilities will need to harden infrastructures, attempt to offset costs and maintain the faith of customers.
The biggest catalysts for change in the utliities industry is the drive for decarbonisation, adoption of renewable energy sources and nett zero. Technology advances in electric vehicles, batteries, alternate clean energy sources and smart grid, smart meters etc bring added pressure to pivot and transform. The pace of change in these areas will continue to grow in the next five years,
What personality traits make a good leader?
The most important qualities of a good leader include integrity, accountability, empathy, humility, resilience, vision, influence, and positivity. Leadership is about inspiring people to do things they never thought they could.
What does the future hold for your company?
The world needs more power due to the growth of internet traffic, EVs, 5G (and beyond). This is constrained by the current instability and pressues emanating from the issues in Europe, In additional, there is the rise of renewables, which have introduced stability and operational challenges on existing networks. The Utility of the Future is a desired taregt state for many and my company will contnue assess avilable solutions and skills.