HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–In conjunction with the CenterPoint Energy Board of Directors’ continued focus on a comprehensive and ongoing succession planning process to support the company’s long-term growth strategy, the company today announced the promotion of Jason P. Wells, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, to the role of President and Chief Operating Officer, effective January 1, 2023. Dave Lesar will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer.
The company also announced that it is initiating a public search for a CFO and that Wells will continue to serve in his current capacity until his successor has been appointed.
“Driving a robust succession planning and executive development process has been a top priority for our Board of Directors as we continue to execute on the company’s industry-leading growth plan,” said Martin Nesbitt, Independent Chair of the Board. “We know from our extensive shareholder engagement efforts that ensuring a deep leadership pipeline is also an important priority for our shareholders. The selection of Jason Wells for this critical execution-focused role represents the achievement of a significant milestone, and the Board has every confidence in his continued leadership.”
Lesar said, “Since my appointment as President and CEO, I have been committed to unlocking the power and potential of our company and refocusing our strategy to take advantage of the inherent long-term growth opportunities for our regulated utilities. With his deep industry experience, operational expertise, financial acumen, and clear strategic vision for establishing the utility of the future, I am confident that Jason is the ideal person with the right skillset and proven track record of leadership for this important President and COO role. I look forward to continuing to work with him and the rest of our excellent executive management team as he moves forward in his new role.”
Wells said, “When I joined CenterPoint Energy more than two years ago, I believed that the company’s compelling utility-focused strategy, outstanding regulated assets, attractive opportunities to invest capital across a diversified, premium territory, and its talented workforce would be driving forces in our ability to deliver sustainable value to our stakeholders. Two years later, I believe that we have earned our place amongst the premium utilities in our business. I look forward to collaborating with the Board, Dave, the leadership team, and my colleagues across the enterprise to continue our momentum and execute on our long-term growth strategy.”
Wells earned his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in accounting, both from the University of Florida. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Wells is active in the community and serves on the Bauer College Board of the C.T. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston; the Advisory Board of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University; and the Boards of Central Houston, Inc. and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
About CenterPoint Energy
As the only investor-owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio and Texas. As of September 30, 2022, the company owned approximately $35 billion in assets. With approximately 8,900 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.
