The BC Hydro board of directors has fired CEO Jessica McDonald as the new NDP government continues to make changes after being sworn into office earlier this week.

On Thursday, Kenneth Peterson was appointed chair of the BC Hydro board, replacing former Liberal adviser Brad Bennett.

"[Peterson] was given the direction to assess any changes that needed to be made and he clearly did that job," said Energy Minister Michelle Mungall.

In the last fiscal year, McDonald earned more than $525,000 in salary, benefits and pension.

Mungall did not know the details of McDonald's severance package.

So long and thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/bchydro">@bchydro</a>. It's been an honour working amongst you for the last 3yrs. Keep flying. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/talented?src=hash">#talented</a> <a href="https://t.co/TFSL7k8JuY">pic.twitter.com/TFSL7k8JuY</a> —@jmcdonaldyvr

"Unfortunately, I can't get you an answer to that because we are a government in transition and I still don't have an email address."

Before joining BC Hydro, McDonald was former Liberal premier Gordon Campbell's deputy minister.

With files from Richard Zussman