Andres Gluski’s job has a powerful effect on people — 17 million of them, to be exact.
As the newly hired executive vice president and chief operating officer of AES Corp., Mr. Gluski helps lead one of the world’s largest power companies with operations in 26 countries on five continents.
Though he has only been at the position a few days, Mr. Gluski wants to bring attention to the Arlington power company’s “global reach.”
“We have a wider scope than people think,” he said.
At AES, Mr. Gluski oversees business in North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The company’s utilities power major cities and provide support for alternative-energy projects. AES also builds plants that turn seawater into drinking water.
Mr. Gluski said his job “requires operational excellence and involves a lot of travel.” He enjoys the diversity his job brings, noting that every day is different.
One day might involve installing a computer, he said, while the next might involve finding ways to comply with a new government regulation.
“The nature of being global is complex. The world is moving toward greater efficiency,” he said. “You have to wear many hats.”
Mr. Gluski believes in leading by example. His inspiration comes from previous bosses who have encouraged him to choose the right people and give them the freedom to act.
Paul Hanrahan, AES president and chief executive officer, said he is glad to have Mr. Gluski on board.
“Andres has played a key role in AES’ overall success and in Latin America in particular,” Mr. Hanrahan said. “He led our growth initiatives in key markets, including Chile and Panama, and completed the restructuring and refinancing of our Latin American businesses.”
Mr. Gluski joined AES in 2000 and has held business leadership posts with the company in both Chile and Venezuela. He became executive vice president and president of AES’ Latin America division two years ago. Previously, Mr. Gluski worked on mass consumer projects for government and electrical companies.
He also served as an economist for the International Monetary Fund, where he helped finance special loan programs.
“I love seeing projects get built,” he said, “and the feeling one has made a difference.”
Mr. Gluski received a bachelor’s degree in 1979 from Wake Forest University, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa. He earned a master’s degree from the University of Virginia, where he received a doctorate in economics in 1989.
He lives in Georgetown with his wife, Adriana. They have two sons.
— Rachel Buller
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