Two Natural Gas Utilities Find New CEOs

SEATTLE (Oil Monster): A game of musical chairs at the top of Western Pennsylvania’s two natural gas utilities has come to a rest.

Joe Gregorini, who took over as CEO of Peoples Natural Gas in January after it was acquired by Essential Utilities Inc. (formerly Aqua Pennsylvania Inc.) will be retiring from the company on Sept. 1. Mr. Gregorini was promoted to the top post after Morgan O’Brien, who shepherded the $4.3 billion acquisition and had planned to remain as head of the gas division, decided to leave after all.

Replacing Mr. Gregorini will be Michael Huwar, who days ago announced he was stepping down as CEO of Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania and Maryland. His appointment is the result of a national search, Essential said in a statement.

Starting Sept. 1, Columbia Gas, a division of NiSource, will be led by Mark Kempic.

Mr. Gregorini has been with Peoples for three decades, serving as the chief operating officer before taking over as CEO.

The North Shore-based utility company has about 740,000 customers in Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Kentucky.

Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania serves about 436,000 customers in the state.

Courtesy: www.post-gazette.com