Energy industry leader to take helm as AEP’s new president, chief executive
The Board of Directors for Columbus, Ohio-based American Electric Power (AEP) yesterday said William J. “Bill” Fehrman, 63, has been elected as the new 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 on Tuesday.
Fehrman, who starts his new position Aug. 1, is AEP’s 13th president and ninth CEO in the investor-owned utility’s 118-year history.
“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,” he said.
Most recently, Fehrman served as president and CEO of Centuri Holdings, Inc., where he helped successfully launch it as a public company while leading the company’s efforts to partner with regulated utilities to build, modernize, and maintain energy infrastructure.
Prior to that, Fehrman was president and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, where he led financial growth and implemented key customer service initiatives. He has also headed MidAmerican Energy Co., PacifiCorp Energy, and Nebraska Public Power District as president and CEO.
“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.”
Tucker also cited Fehrman’s diverse background in finance, operations, regulatory matters, safety, cybersecurity, and renewable energy, which she said will be instrumental to advancing AEP’s 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,” said Tucker.
Fehrman will succeed Ben Fowke, who has served as AEP’s interim CEO since February.
Fowke, who was elected to AEP’s board in 2022 and will continue as a board member, will serve as a senior advisor for several months to ensure a smooth transition, according to AEP’s June 26 statement.
“I want to thank Ben for stepping into this interim CEO role and immediately providing exceptional leadership and guidance, setting the company up for success and driving value for our stakeholders,” Tucker added.
Fehrman currently serves on the boards of Centuri Holdings and Vestas Wind Systems A/S. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Nebraska and an MBA from Regis University.
“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,” said Fehrman.
