Duke Energy Appoints Katherine Neebe as New Chief Communications Officer

Duke Energy Welcomes Katherine Neebe as Chief Communications Officer

Duke Energy has made a significant leadership change by appointing Katherine Neebe as its new Chief Communications Officer (CCO), effective February 24, 2025. Neebe, who formerly held the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, is stepping into the role previously held by Oscar Suris, who will transition to a senior advisor position. This strategic move marks a crucial moment for Duke Energy as it continues to evolve in the fast-paced energy sector.

In making the announcement, Louis Renjel, executive vice president and chief corporate affairs officer, emphasized Neebe’s profound understanding of the importance of effective communication in establishing trust with stakeholders. He stated, "Katherine has demonstrated a deep appreciation for the critical role that clear, timely communications play in fostering trust among our stakeholders." Her extensive experience in external affairs and leadership skills are seen as essential qualities to address the diverse expectations of customers, communities, shareholders, and other stakeholders.

"Delivering business outcomes by serving our customers and communities will remain my focus," Neebe remarked. She further highlighted the necessity of Corporate Communications in driving Duke Energy’s ambitious energy modernization strategy, which aims to address the dynamic energy needs of the communities it serves.

Neebe’s predecessor, Oscar Suris, played a pivotal role in reorganizing Duke Energy’s Corporate Communications, transforming it into a fully integrated entity that encompasses communications, public affairs, and brand marketing. This transformation has improved both external storytelling and internal communication capabilities within the organization. Renjel expressed gratitude for Suris’s dedication during his tenure, acknowledging his contributions to shaping Duke Energy’s narrative.

Suris himself reflected, "It’s been my privilege to work with this talented team and tell the dynamic story of Duke Energy. This is the right time to transition to an advisor role and help empower the next generation of communications leaders."

In the interim, Amy Strecker, the president of the Duke Energy Foundation, will take charge of Neebe’s former responsibilities, showcasing the company's commitment to strong leadership during this transition.

Katherine Neebe: A Background

Katherine Neebe is a notable figure within corporate strategy, stakeholder engagement, and global responsibility, with a proven history of driving significant programs that combine business growth with addressing critical societal challenges. Having previously worked with Fortune 100+ companies such as Duke Energy and Walmart, as well as the World Wildlife Fund, her leadership initiatives have successfully resonated with a wide range of stakeholders.

Before becoming the CCO, Neebe was instrumental in overseeing enterprise-wide sustainability and policy initiatives at Duke Energy. In this role, she managed the Duke Energy Foundation, which allocates over $30 million annually to philanthropic initiatives. Her focus on balancing environmental and social outcomes with unwavering commitment to reliable and affordable energy exemplifies her capability in aligning business goals with community needs.

Neebe is also a North Carolina native and a First Movers fellow through the Aspen Institute. She holds an MBA from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Colorado College.

Duke Energy’s Vision

Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., serves around 8.4 million customers across several states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. The company is actively moving towards an ambitious energy transition, emphasizing customer reliability and value. With investments in electric grid upgrades and cleaner energy generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables, and energy storage, Duke Energy is committed to leading in the energy sector.

The appointment of Katherine Neebe is not just a change in personnel; it signifies Duke Energy's ongoing commitment to adapt and evolve in a continuously changing energy landscape. For further details, visit Duke Energy's official website or their news center.