Entergy names Rod West utility group president

Entergy Corporation announced Monday that it named Rod West as the company’s new group president of utility operations effective July 1.

West succeeds Theo Bunting, who is retiring from Entergy after 34 years with the company. West and Bunting have been working closely together to enable a smooth transition.

“As we welcome Rod to his new role, we also we also want to say thank you to Theo for his many contributions to Entergy in his 34 years of service,” Entergy Chairman and CEO Leo Denault said. “He has helped position the utility for a successful future, and we are very grateful to Theo for his outstanding service to Entergy.”

West will report to Denault and be responsible for the operational and financial performance of the regulated utilities, including electric and natural gas distribution and customer service operations. West will also oversee the utility’s engagement with state and local regulators as well as regulated retail commercial development and innovation.

“Rod’s knowledge, leadership, diverse utility experience and relentless focus on creating value for our stakeholders make him the right person for this role at a time when Entergy is becoming a pure-play utility,” Denault said. “As we embark on the utility’s $10.4 billion customer-centric capital plan, Rod will ensure we execute prudently, effectively and in the best interest of our stakeholders.”

West has served as executive vice president and chief administrative officer at Entergy since 2010. Prior to that, West led Entergy New Orleans, Inc. through the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina as its president and CEO.