Duke Energy announced that Executive Vice President and Chief Generation Officer Preston Gillespie will retire after 40 years of service, effective March 1, 2027. Gillespie will remain on the board and will guide the company’s new nuclear strategy until that date.
The transition follows the appointment of Kelvin Henderson as Senior Vice President, Chief Generation Officer, and Enterprise Operational Excellence, and Steven Capps as Senior Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer, both effective March 1, 2026. Henderson will oversee generation planning, regulatory filings, and capital allocation, while Capps will lead the development of small modular reactors and other nuclear initiatives.
Gillespie’s tenure has overseen the safe, reliable operation of Duke Energy’s 50,200‑megawatt generation fleet and the company’s shift to a diversified, dispatchable power mix. His continued involvement in nuclear strategy signals the company’s commitment to expanding nuclear capacity as part of its long‑term resource plan.
CEO Harry Sideris emphasized that leadership continuity is essential as Duke Energy executes a large capital plan and navigates complex regulatory environments. “The depth of leadership talent and thoughtful transition provides the continuity that allows the company to deliver today and invest for the future,” Sideris said.
The retirement also highlights the importance of succession planning for other senior executives, as the company seeks to maintain momentum in its energy transition, grid modernization, and battery storage investments.
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