PPL Corporation Announces Leadership Changes Following COO Fran Sullivan's Retirement
PPL Corporation's Strategic Leadership Transition
PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) has recently unveiled significant changes within its executive team, notably the retirement of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Fran Sullivan, effective April 4, 2025. This pivotal shift comes as part of the company's broader strategy to enhance operational efficiencies and continue its commitment to delivering reliable energy solutions to its customers.
The imminent retirement of Sullivan has prompted PPL to eliminate the Chief Operating Officer role altogether. From the same date, David J. Bonenberger will step into the pivotal position overseeing utilities within the organization, thereby becoming the new Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer - Utilities. Concurrently, Lonnie Bellar will assume the role of Executive Vice President of Engineering, Construction, and Generation. Both Bonenberger and Bellar will report directly to Vincent Sorgi, PPL's President and Chief Executive Officer.
Vincent Sorgi expressed gratitude to Sullivan for his instrumental leadership, particularly during the past two years, where he spearheaded crucial changes in operations and safety initiatives. "Fran's leadership has been invaluable in the design and execution of our utility of the future and OnePPL strategies," Sorgi commented. The transition anticipates a seamless progression toward enhancing the company’s operational capabilities and service delivery.
In preparation for this leadership shift, both incoming executives bring extensive experience to their roles. Bonenberger has been with PPL since 1984, most recently serving as President of Rhode Island Energy, a PPL subsidiary. His vast experience in utility operations and customer service across multiple regions, including Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Rhode Island, and Virginia, will be instrumental in driving PPL's strategic objectives forward.
Lonnie Bellar, who joined the energy sector in 1987, comes from a notable background, having served as COO for LGE and KU Energy, also subsidiaries of PPL. His responsibilities will broaden to include oversight of the Kentucky generation fleet, highlighting his pivotal role within the organization.
Sullivan, who has held the EVP and COO position at PPL since early 2023, has had a transformative impact on the company despite his relatively short tenure. Before joining PPL in October 2021, he worked as a senior operations advisor and independent consultant for the power sector and held several leadership positions over four decades in various leading energy firms, including NRG Energy and Public Service Enterprises Group.
As PPL Corporation continues to pave its path toward becoming a smarter, more resilient, and customer-focused utility, the company's leadership transition marks an essential step in adapting to evolving industry dynamics. The combined experience of Bonenberger and Bellar is expected to fortify PPL's mission of delivering cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions, thereby enhancing value for its customers and shareholders.
For the latest updates on PPL Corporation’s operations and initiatives, visit their official website at www.pplweb.com.
In summary, this strategic leadership change not only signifies the company's commitment to innovation and excellence but also reflects its proactive approach in navigating the challenges of the modern energy landscape.