American Electric Power appointed Adrian Rodriguez as president and chief operating officer of AEP Texas. The move aligns with the company’s strategy to strengthen operations, advance long-term priorities, and enhance stakeholder relationships. Rodriguez will join the company on March 30 and report directly to Bill Fehrman, AEP chairman, president, and CEO.
“As the business continues to evolve, we believe now is the right time to bring in a leader with deep experience in stakeholder engagement and a strong operational focus to align with our long-term priorities in Texas,” Fehrman said. “Adrian brings a proven ability to build trust with employees, customers, regulators and local leaders, while keeping the organization focused on safety, reliability and disciplined execution. We see tremendous upside in AEP Texas and its ability to enable growth in the state, through our industry-leading 765-kV transmission capabilities. We are confident this move will help take this operating company to the next level to realize that potential.”
Rodriguez will succeed Judith Talavera, who recently left the organization. Alex Ramirez, vice president of Distribution Operations, will serve as interim president and COO.
“We are grateful for Judith’s leadership and contributions to the company and wish her all the best,” Fehrman said.
Rodriguez Brings Leadership and Utility Expertise
Rodriguez currently leads Southwestern Public Service Company, a subsidiary of Xcel Energy in New Mexico and Texas. He directed major regulatory initiatives, managed the largest capital project in the company’s history, and led wildfire recovery efforts successfully.
“Texas continues to be one of the most dynamic growth markets in the country,” Rodriguez said. “I am honored to join AEP Texas at a pivotal time in its history as the company’s employees work to build the energy system of the future to seize the incredible opportunities ahead in our state. As a native Texan, I look forward to working alongside the AEP Texas team to create value for our communities and strengthen our relationships with stakeholders.”
Before Southwestern Public Service Company, Rodriguez served as senior vice president, Regulatory & Strategy, at Puget Sound Energy. Earlier, he held leadership roles at El Paso Electric Company, including senior vice president, General Counsel, interim CEO, and board director. He also worked in private law practice, the federal court system, public policy, and the Texas legislature.
Rodriguez earned a bachelor’s in economics and government from the University of Texas, a master’s in public policy from Harvard, and a Juris Doctor from Columbia University.
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Source: PRNewswire
