TVA Chief Generating Officer Joe Grimes has announced plans to retire Nov. 1.

With his retirement, Grimes would close the book on a 40-year career. He spent the last five of those years at TVA, having signed on in 2013 as chief nuclear officer.

In a statement, TVA officials said Grimes emphasized operational excellence and continuous improvement. On Grimes’ watch, TVA said, its nuclear fleet is operating at the highest level in 20 years, including the incorporation of Watts Bar Unit 2 and the extended power uprates at Browns Ferry.