YANKTON, S.D.(WNAX)- The leadership team at Northwestern Energy will make a transition at the end of the year with long time C.E.O. Bob Rowe (row) retiring and current Chief Operating Officer Brian Bird moving up.

Bird says he expects a smooth changeover.

Bird says he joined the company at a very difficult time.

Bird says he has been watching some critical issues.

Rowe and Bird were touring the companies’ locations in Nebraska, South Dakota and Montana.