#United States #Charlotte #Duke Energy #Preston Gillespie #Kelvin Henderson

Duke Energy Announces Leadership Changes in its Operational Excellence Organization

Duke Energy, one of the largest energy holding companies in the United States, has announced significant leadership changes within its generation and operational excellence divisions. This move comes as part of the company's commitment to robust energy management and innovative transitions amid rising energy demands.

Preston Gillespie, the current executive vice president and chief generation officer, has declared his retirement after 40 years of service. Recognized for his immense contributions, Gillespie has played a pivotal role in enhancing the safety, reliability, and efficiency of Duke Energy's operations, managing a fleet capacity of over 50,000 megawatts. He will remain with the company until March 1, 2027, to ensure a seamless transition and will also guide key decisions related to new nuclear initiatives starting March 1, 2026.

Harry Sideris, president and CEO of Duke Energy, expressed gratitude for Gillespie's unwavering commitment throughout the years. Noting that the energy landscape is changing rapidly, Sideris emphasized the need for speed, agility, and innovative solutions. The planned transition aims to enhance the company’s leadership depth while continuously serving customers' needs effectively.

New Leadership Appointments

Effective March 1, 2026, Kelvin Henderson will step into the role of senior vice president and chief generation officer, joining the senior management committee. Currently serving as the chief nuclear officer, Henderson brings more than 35 years of nuclear experience to his new position. His extensive expertise will help manage the extensive generation assets at Duke Energy as the company strives to meet increasing energy demands while ensuring cost efficiency for customers.

Meanwhile, Steven Capps will take over as senior vice president and chief nuclear officer. Having served in various significant roles within the nuclear division over the last three decades, Capps is well-equipped to lead the company’s advancements in nuclear energy. His previous role as senior vice president of new nuclear development and operations support highlights his capabilities to transition into this more extensive position.

Duke Energy operates electric utilities that cater to 8.6 million customers across multiple states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, along with natural gas utilities serving 1.7 million customers in several states. The company is committed to a major energy transition while ensuring customer reliability by making significant investments in grid upgrades and cleaner energy solutions such as natural gas, renewables, and energy storage.

As Duke Energy embarks on this new phase with updated leadership, the company continues to prioritize its mission of balancing operational excellence with a sustainable energy future. The dedication exemplified by current leaders set a high benchmark for what customers can expect from their utility provider as they work towards creating a smarter and more efficient energy landscape in America.

For more information on Duke Energy's initiatives and updates, visit their official website at duke-energy.com and follow them on social media.