Andy Gurgol Appointed as Vice President of Investor Relations at AEP

Introduction

In a significant leadership change, American Electric Power (AEP) has named Andy Gurgol as the new Vice President of Investor Relations, effective May 9, 2026. Gurgol is stepping into this role following the retirement of Darcy Reese at the end of the year.

A Strategic Transition

Trevor Mihalik, AEP's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, expressed enthusiasm regarding Gurgol's addition to the team. This appointment comes at a pivotal time when AEP is strategizing to harness substantial growth opportunities. Mihalik acknowledged Gurgol's extensive background in corporate development and his contributions to the finance structure, emphasizing the importance of effectively conveying AEP's promising vision to investors.

Gurgol's path to AEP began earlier this year when he was appointed as the Managing Director of Corporate Strategy and Development. His professional experience spans nearly 14 years within the utility and energy sectors, focusing on crucial roles that have greatly prepared him for this transition.

Career Highlights

Before joining AEP, Gurgol notably worked with Sempra for nearly a decade, progressively ascending into leadership positions including Director of Corporate Development and Strategy. His responsibilities there encompassed M&A and enterprise-wide strategy development. His previous experience includes a pivotal role at NextEra Energy, where he was instrumental in conducting economic and strategic analyses for a remarkable $1.5 billion in renewable energy investments. Additionally, Gurgol began his career within FirstEnergy, where he honed his skills in financial forecasting and analytics.

Beyond his utility sector experience, Gurgol has held a significant position at the World Resources Institute as Senior Manager of Conservation Finance. During his tenure, he facilitated collaborations among utilities, private firms, and governmental agencies to deploy investments aimed at environmental restoration, infrastructure resilience, and risk mitigation against catastrophic wildfires.

Emphasis on Strategy and Communication

In anticipation of the challenges and opportunities ahead, Gurgol recognizes a key responsibility in communicating AEP's ambitious plans to the investment community. His statement underscores a commitment to engaging with investors and analysts as AEP earmarks a significant $78 billion investment to enhance its services by 2030.

Gurgol is eager to establish relationships with stakeholders over the upcoming months, focusing on transparency and effective communication regarding AEP's long-term growth strategies.

Celebrating Darcy Reese's Contributions

Darcy Reese has significantly contributed to AEP's success since 2020, adeptly managing investor relations, quarterly earnings narratives, and orchestrating the company's annual shareholder meetings. As she approaches her retirement after over 35 years in finance and accounting, Mihalik commended Reese for her advocacy and impactful role within AEP, stating, "Darcy has been an outstanding advocate for AEP with our investor community."

As Gurgol steps into this new role, AEP is poised for advancements in its operational capabilities and strategic communication, reinforcing its commitment to improving customer experiences while tackling the evolving energy needs of communities.

Conclusion

American Electric Power, a leader in the energy sector with a vast electric transmission system, is set for transformative growth. With Andy Gurgol at the helm of Investor Relations, stakeholders can expect a focused approach on communicating the company’s visionary strategies and investments aimed towards enhancing customer service and supporting community energy demands. As AEP endeavors to adapt and thrive in a dynamic energy landscape, Gurgol's leadership will be pivotal in steering stakeholder engagement effectively toward this ambitious future.