“I’m not sure I chose energy – I think energy chose me,” confesses Alexandru Chiriță, CEO of the Electrica group. The statement comes during a thorough conversation with Gabriel Avăcăriței, at “WATTs Next”, the new podcast format by Energynomics. His professional journey began outside the energy sector but gradually consolidated at its very top. Trained as a lawyer, Chiriță first entered the field as a legal advisor for clients in the energy sector, then became head of the legal department at Hidroelectrica. Today, he leads Electrica, one of the largest and most complex energy groups in Romania.
“I began my career in 2008–2009 as a lawyer, and I think around 2014–2015 I started supporting clients in the energy segment.” In 2019, he took on the role of legal department manager at Hidroelectrica. “Of course, you’re always watching for opportunities,” he adds, “and I was lucky to become general manager at Electrica,” in 2022.
Such a trajectory naturally raises the question of whether the absence of a technical background can be a handicap in a highly technology-driven industry. For Chiriță, the answer is unequivocal: “From my point of view, of course, it’s an advantage… a legal background helps you understand exactly the challenges you face in commercial relations with partners, investors, and shareholders. You operate in a highly regulated environment, and in that sense, I think it’s a real asset.”
In his view, legal expertise becomes an effective management tool in a sector where regulations, contracts, and transparency are just as important as power lines and installed megawatts. Perhaps the most valuable lesson he’s brought from the legal profession is his experience in working with people: “Because what matters most is being able to bring together people with different perspectives and help them reach common ground. As a lawyer, that’s basically a built-in part of the job.”
For Alexandru Chiriță, leadership isn’t about providing technical answers – it’s about creating the framework in which solutions can emerge through teamwork. Understanding regulations is only the beginning; they must then be translated into strategic direction and operational decisions. And that process, he emphasizes, is rooted in dialogue, in managing divergent viewpoints, and in mediating between competing interests.
To young professionals searching for their path, Chiriță offers a message that’s both encouraging and pragmatic: “First of all, I believe energy is the field of the future. Everything will be connected to energy. It will be the main driver of society’s development… it’s a safe sector, a stable one… no matter what specialization you choose.”
His most important piece of advice, however, concerns resilience and commitment: “This is a field with extremely interesting challenges and very high professional satisfaction – but also a workload that’s difficult to sustain. You need a special kind of resilience, and you always have to stay deeply involved.”
About “WATTs Next”
“WATTs Next” is the new podcast by Energynomics dedicated to energy leaders, designed to provide a clear understanding of the people shaping the industry, their visions for the future and emerging challenges. Its main goal is to go beyond standardized answers and delve into the personal and professional perspectives of the interlocutor.
The interviews are structured in three essential directions:
- Shaping a personal and professional profile, providing an authentic picture of the career path and values of the interviewed leader.
- Analysis of the most current topics, to understand what’s next in the industry, what the implications are for companies and consumers, and what we should prepare for.
- Explanation of some essential concepts, by debunking myths and clarifying complex notions for a wider audience.
