Manitoba Hydro has named an interim president and CEO as its board continues to search for a new head.

Darren Rainkie -- who is the utility's current chief financial officer and vice-president of finance and regulatory affairs -- will take on the temporary duties Friday.

The utility hopes to have a new president and CEO to replace former head Scott Thomson with the next two months.

Rainkie has been with Manitoba Hydro for more than 21 years, and before that was a financial analyst with Centra Gas, which was acquired by Manitoba Hydro in 1999.