================================================================================ UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): November 20, 2003 NorthWestern Corporation (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 0-692 46-0172280 (State or other jurisdiction (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer of incorporation) Identification No.) 125 South Dakota Avenue 57104 Sioux Falls, South Dakota (Zip Code) (Address of principal executive offices) (605) 978-2908 --------------------------------------- (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) ================================================================================ Item 5. Other Events and Required FD Disclosure On November 20. 2003, NorthWestern Corporation issued a press release announcing that Brian B. Bird has been named its Chief Financial Officer, effective Dec. 1, 2003. The press release is included as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference. Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 99.1* Press Release of NorthWestern Corporation dated November 20, 2003 * filed herewith 2 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. NorthWestern Corporation By: /s/ Gary G. Drook ------------------------------------ Gary G. Drook Chief Executive Officer Date: November 20, 2003 3 Index to Exhibits ----------------- EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 99.1* Press Release of NorthWestern Corporation dated November 20, 2003 * filed herewith 4