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AEP names new president, CEO to take over in August

Bill Fehrman will succeed Ben Fowke, who was elected to the AEP Board in 2022 and will continue as a board member.
AEP names new president, CEO to take over in August
(Bill Fehrman. Source: AEP.)

American Electric Power’s (AEP) board of directors has named William J. “Bill” Fehrman as president and CEO, effective August 1, 2024.

Most recently, Fehrman served as president and CEO of Centuri Holdings, where he helped to launch Centuri as a public company, while leading their efforts to partner with regulated utilities to build, modernize and maintain energy infrastructure. Prior to that, he was president and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Energy. Fehrman also led MidAmerican Energy Company, PacifiCorp Energy and Nebraska Public Power District as president and CEO.

“I’ve spent my entire career in the energy business, and I’m honored to join a renowned industry leader like AEP during a pivotal time for the organization and our industry,” Fehrman said. “AEP has built a strong foundation with a long history of solid operational and financial results and a focus on customers. I’m committed to building on the company’s legacy of success and service by strengthening relationships with our stakeholders and continuing to execute our robust capital plan to enhance the resiliency of the grid and transform the company’s generation portfolio. I see incredible potential in this company, and I look forward to working with the best-in-class team at AEP to continue delivering safe, reliable and affordable service to customers and advancing our long-term growth strategy.”

Fehrman is AEP’s 13th president and ninth CEO in the company’s 118-year history. He will succeed Ben Fowke, who has been serving as interim CEO since February 2024. Fowke, who was elected to the Board in 2022 and will continue as a board member, will serve as a senior advisor for several months.

“Bill is an accomplished leader and industry veteran with a proven ability to drive operational excellence, produce strong financial results and deliver for customers and stakeholders,” said Sara Martinez Tucker, chairman of the AEP Board of Directors. “He led one of the nation’s largest electric utility companies and a utility infrastructure firm, and his expertise and unique perspectives will help AEP implement new solutions as we build the energy system of the future to power our communities. His diverse background in finance, operations, regulatory matters, safety, cybersecurity and renewable energy will be instrumental to advancing our strategic vision. As our industry continues to change rapidly, the Board is confident that Bill is the right person to seize the opportunities ahead and lead AEP in this next chapter.”

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