Kelvin Shepherd is hanging up on MTS and heading over to Manitoba Hydro to become the Crown utility's new president and CEO.

The appointment, made on the recommendation of the Manitoba Hydro Electric Board, was announced Thursday by Premier Greg Selinger. Shepherd starts his new job Dec. 7

"Shepherd is a proven leader with a track record of successfully managing major projects, and I am confident he will be a great asset to Manitoba Hydro as it continues its plan to grow and develop new opportunities to deliver economic benefit to and value for Manitobans," Selinger said.

Shepherd has been president of MTS, the fourth-largest telecommunications provider in Canada, for five years. Prior to 2010, he held various senior roles at MTS, including president of consumer markets for MTS Allstream, chief operating officer, chief technical officer and vice-president of network services.

Before he joined MTS, he worked as chief technology officer at SaskTel.

Shepherd has a history of building positive relationships with customers, employees and the broader community, including indigenous leaders and communities, Selinger stated in a news release.

In his role with Hydro, Shepherd will be responsible for leading the executive management team and overseeing all strategic, operational and financial facets of the utility.

He takes over from Darren Rainkie, who was appointed interim president and CEO in early September when Scott Thomson left to take a senior executive position in the private sector.

"As a committed resident of Manitoba, Shepherd understands the unique opportunities our province and Manitoba Hydro have to be a leader in renewable green energy for many years to come and create good jobs right here at home," Selinger said.

"I would like to congratulate him on his new position and thank Darren Rainkie for his leadership as acting president and CEO during this search."