Vistra Corp. announced a new addition to its board of directors following the closing of the Energy Harbor acquisition. Effective March 7, 2024, John W. (Bill) Pitesa, a former chief nuclear officer for Duke Energy with more than 40 years in the nuclear industry, has been appointed as independent director.

In addition, Vistra converted its existing Nuclear Oversight Advisory Board to a standing committee of the board, renamed the Nuclear Oversight Committee with Mr. Pitesa serving as chair. Mr. Pitesa has spent his entire career in the nuclear industry. He most recently served on the board of directors of Energy Harbor as chair of the nuclear committee from 2020 until the company's acquisition by Vistra.

Pitesa retired in 2018 after working at the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) as chief nuclear officer. Previously, Pitesa served as chief nuclear officer for Duke Energy where he first joined in 1980 and served in numerous management positions, including serving two years as a loaned employee to the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO). During that time, he also supported the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) by serving on nuclear plant review teams. Pitesa holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Auburn University.

He is a registered professional engineer in North Carolina and a graduate of Harvard's Advanced Management Program.