Litgrid Taps Tech Veteran as CEO to Helm Digital Energy Future

VILNIUS, Lithuania – January 13, 2026

In a move signaling a decisive pivot towards technological modernization, Lithuania's national electricity transmission system operator, LITGRID AB, has appointed technology executive Andrius Šemeškevičius as its new Chief Executive Officer. The appointment, effective February 23, 2026, places a leader with deep roots in telecommunications and digital transformation at the helm of the nation's most critical energy infrastructure.

Šemeškevičius will succeed Rokas Masiulis, who has led the company since February 2021, steering it through a period of intense geopolitical significance and the historic completion of its synchronization with the Continental European power grid. The transition marks a new chapter for Litgrid, shifting focus from establishing energy independence to optimizing and future-proofing a grid facing unprecedented demands from decarbonization and digitalization.

A New Era of Digital Leadership

The selection of Andrius Šemeškevičius is a clear indicator of Litgrid's strategic direction. For the past 11 years, he served as the Chief Technology Officer of Telia Lietuva, one of the country's largest telecommunications companies. In that role, he was responsible for navigating the complex evolution of digital networks, a background that is increasingly seen as vital for the operators of modern power grids. His experience is further complemented by executive education from prestigious institutions, including the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford and The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Crucially, Šemeškevičius is no stranger to the energy sector's unique challenges. During 2023 and 2024, he served as an independent member of the Litgrid Board, with a specific mandate focused on technology and digitalization. This experience provided him with an insider's view of the company's operational complexities and strategic imperatives, positioning him to lead the implementation of its ambitious 'Strategy 2035.' This long-term plan aims to transform Litgrid into one of Europe's most advanced and intelligent grid operators.

The appointment reflects a broader global trend where utilities are looking beyond traditional engineering backgrounds for leadership. As power grids become more decentralized with the influx of renewable energy and more interconnected through digital technologies, expertise in data analytics, cybersecurity, and large-scale network management becomes paramount. The public selection process, assisted by the EPSO-G Remuneration and Nomination Committee and personnel selection firm Master Class Lietuva, underscored the search for a candidate with this specific blend of skills to navigate the next phase of the energy transition.

Building on a Foundation of Energy Independence

Šemeškevičius inherits a company that has successfully navigated one of the most significant strategic challenges in its history. Outgoing CEO Rokas Masiulis's five-year tenure was largely defined by the monumental task of decoupling the Baltic states' power systems from the Russian-controlled IPS/UPS grid and connecting them to the Continental European network. This goal, a cornerstone of Lithuania's national security and energy independence strategy for decades, was achieved in February 2025 under his leadership.

During his time as CEO, Masiulis oversaw the critical final stages of the synchronization project, including the implementation of an Automatic Generation Control System for independent frequency management and the successful isolated operation test of the Lithuanian power system. His leadership was instrumental in a period marked by heightened geopolitical tensions following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which added immense urgency to the project. Beyond synchronization, his tenure also saw the establishment of a Renewable Energy Integration Centre and significant investments to prepare the grid for a future dominated by green energy.

The Challenges Ahead: Decarbonization and Grid Modernization

While the challenge of synchronization has been met, a new set of equally formidable tasks awaits the incoming CEO. Lithuania's updated National Energy Independence Strategy sets an ambitious target of achieving 100% climate-neutral energy by 2050. This transition will fuel a massive surge in electricity demand, which is projected to increase more than six-fold from 12 TWh to 74 TWh by mid-century, driven by the electrification of industry, transport, and heating.

Accommodating this demand while integrating vast amounts of intermittent renewable energy from new onshore and offshore wind farms is the central challenge. The grid must evolve to maintain stability and reliability in a system where power flows are no longer predictable. This requires significant investment in flexibility solutions, such as the 200 MW battery park—the largest in Europe—that Litgrid already operates, as well as synchronous compensators and other advanced grid technologies. The total investment required for grid development and reconstruction between 2024 and 2033 is estimated at a staggering 2.7 billion euros.

The Smart Grid Imperative

It is precisely at this intersection of renewable integration, soaring demand, and grid stability that Šemeškevičius's technology-focused background becomes most critical. Leading Litgrid is no longer just about managing physical power lines and substations; it is about orchestrating a complex, data-intensive digital ecosystem. The future grid will rely heavily on smart technologies, artificial intelligence for predictive maintenance and demand forecasting, and robust cybersecurity to protect it from ever-present threats.

Key infrastructure projects will continue to define the landscape, including the development of the Harmony Link, a new high-voltage direct current submarine cable connecting Lithuania and Poland, which is expected to be operational in 2028. This link will further enhance market integration and energy security. The new CEO's task will be to ensure these massive capital projects are not just completed, but are also integrated into a digitally native, intelligent, and resilient national power system. His appointment is the clearest signal yet that for Lithuania's energy future, the path to green power runs directly through digital innovation.