United States – November 10, 2026 -- John Bear, who has led the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) as President and CEO since 2009, is listed as a featured speaker, bringing more than 30 years of utility-industry executive experience.
Bear has run MISO since 2009 after building its markets
Bear joined MISO in 2004. Before becoming CEO, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the initial design, implementation and daily operation of MISO's energy markets and transmission system planning. He now directs the grid operator's work with members to deliver reliable, low-cost energy through efficient and innovative operations and planning.
Reliant Resources background spans Houston and European operations
Earlier in his career, Bear was President of Houston-based Reliant Resources and Managing Director of Reliant's European Operations. He is also a founding board member of the Amsterdam Power Exchange (APX).
GO15 role covers grid operators serving over 75% of global power demand
Bear recently served as President and Vice President of GO15, the world's largest group of power market and grid operators. GO15 members represent more than 75% of the world's electricity demand across six continents.
Board seats span clean-energy and research bodies
Bear chairs the board of Energy Systems Network (ESN), an initiative building an energy ecosystem to develop clean energy solutions. He also sits on the board of the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), a non-profit focused on energy and environmental research. His past roles include the President's Nuclear Energy Advisory Committee and the board of the NERC regional entity ReliabilityFirst.
Bear holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University and attended the INSEAD Advanced Management Program for Senior Executives.