CenterPoint Energy Implements Major Leadership Changes for 2025

CenterPoint Energy's New Leadership Team

In a strategic move aimed at enhancing its operational efficiency and leadership capabilities, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. has announced pivotal changes to its senior leadership team, which will take effect on January 1, 2025. The changes highlight the company's commitment to fostering growth and innovation in the energy sector while maintaining its dedication to customer service and community engagement.

Leadership Changes

The leadership reshuffle features the promotion of Richard C. Leger as the Senior Vice President of the Gas business. Leger, who has effectively been leading the Gas segment on an interim basis since July 2024, will now officially take the reins of the operations serving approximately 4.2 million customers across multiple states. His extensive experience within CenterPoint Energy's framework spans over 24 years, wherein he has occupied various management roles predominantly within natural gas and electric sectors.

Furthermore, Bertha Villatoro is elevated to the role of Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). Villatoro boasts a robust two-decade track record in business and human resources leadership, chiefly within the energy industry. Her new role will encompass oversight of talent development, labor relations, and many crucial HR functions critical to the company's operation. Villatoro’s ascent represents CenterPoint’s emphasis on nurturing human capital as a pivotal driver of its long-term success.

With these promotions, Lynne Harkel-Rumford, the current Executive Vice President and CHRO, is set to retire on February 3, 2024, after a commendable 25-year service. She will transition into a senior advisory role until her retirement, marking the end of an era and leaving behind a legacy of impactful contributions that have significantly benefited employees and communities alike.

Acknowledgments and Outlook

Jason Wells, President and Chief Executive Officer of CenterPoint Energy, expressed gratitude towards Harkel-Rumford for her unwavering commitment and substantial contributions throughout her tenure. He highlighted her influential role in fostering community relationships and her dedication to addressing hunger issues in the Greater Houston area.

Wells further commented on the capabilities of both Leger and Villatoro, emphasizing their readiness to drive the company's culture of accountability and continuous improvement. He remarked on Leger’s determination and thoughtful leadership over his time in charge of the Gas segment, and looked forward to Villatoro’s expanded contributions to the HR realm.

In addition to his new responsibilities, Leger’s involvement extends beyond corporate governance as he actively engages in various industry associations, including the American Gas Association and Southern Gas Association.

As for Villatoro, her journey through different positions within CenterPoint, Kinder Morgan, and El Paso Corporation has equipped her with a profound understanding of the human resources landscape in the energy sector. Her qualifications, including specialized certifications and her education from notable institutions, underscore her professional stature and preparedness for her enhanced role.

About CenterPoint Energy

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CenterPoint Energy functions as an investor-owned electric and gas utility with a solid operational presence across multiple states, serving over 7 million metered customers. As of September 30, 2024, the company boasts an impressive asset portfolio valued over $43 billion. CenterPoint’s legacy in the energy sector spans over 150 years, characterized by a commitment to innovation and service excellence.

In summary, these leadership appointments signify CenterPoint Energy's strategic focus in the coming years, aligning leadership capabilities with the evolving needs of the energy landscape. As the company prepares to transition into this new chapter, expectations for innovation and enhanced service delivery remain high.