CenterPoint Energy Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

CenterPoint Energy has 9 executives leading key functions including human resources, technology, finance, communications, regulatory services, and operations.

Driven by a commitment to reliable energy delivery, CenterPoint Energy focuses on optimizing its electric and natural gas segments to serve residential, commercial, and industrial customers across the United States, ensuring operational excellence and market responsiveness.

Leadership Roles at CenterPoint Energy

  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Gary Whitlock
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Christopher Foster
  • President Vectren Fuels - Beck Randy
  • Group President - Stephen Schaeffer
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer - Lynne Harkel-Rumford
  • Vice President & Chief Technology Officer - Bradley Krol
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer - Bertha Villatoro
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer - Keith Stephens
  • Executive VP, Regulatory Services & Government Affairs - Jason Ryan
  • Gary Whitlock - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Gary Whitlock, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at CenterPoint Energy, directs the company's financial strategy, planning, and reporting. Whitlock oversees all fiscal operations, including capital allocation, financial risk management, and investor relations, crucial for supporting CenterPoint Energy's dual Electric and Natural Gas segments. This leadership position involves managing the financial implications of operating electric generation assets, optimizing wholesale power market positions, and overseeing the financial health of natural gas transportation and distribution networks across multiple states. Gary Whitlock ensures robust financial controls and drives initiatives that enhance shareholder value and support sustainable growth. The Chief Financial Officer plays a pivotal role in securing funding for infrastructure investments and maintaining financial stability.

    Christopher Foster - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Christopher Foster, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at CenterPoint Energy, manages the company's comprehensive financial operations and strategic fiscal planning. Foster's responsibilities include overseeing financial performance, treasury functions, and capital structure management to support CenterPoint Energy's extensive utility operations. This role is vital for guiding financial decisions related to the Electric segment's transmission and distribution services and the Natural Gas segment's widespread sales and transportation activities. Christopher Foster ensures financial discipline and drives initiatives aimed at optimizing profitability and ensuring long-term financial resilience. The Chief Financial Officer's oversight is critical for capital deployment in infrastructure projects and managing financial risks associated with market fluctuations.

    Beck Randy - President Vectren Fuels

    Beck Randy, the President Vectren Fuels at CenterPoint Energy, leads the strategic direction and operational management of the company's natural gas fuel business. Randy oversees all aspects of Vectren Fuels, including sales, distribution, and customer service, ensuring efficient and reliable delivery to residential, commercial, and industrial clients. This leadership role is integral to CenterPoint Energy's Natural Gas segment, focusing on optimizing pipeline operations and maintaining strong customer relationships in key markets. Beck Randy drives initiatives to enhance service offerings and expand market reach, contributing directly to the company's revenue generation and operational excellence. The President Vectren Fuels ensures alignment with broader company objectives for natural gas service provision.

    Stephen Schaeffer - Group President

    Stephen Schaeffer, the Group President at CenterPoint Energy, holds broad responsibility for overseeing significant operational groups within the company. Schaeffer's leadership encompasses driving performance and strategic execution across multiple business units, ensuring alignment with CenterPoint Energy's overall mission. This role is critical for managing the complex interplay between the Electric and Natural Gas segments, optimizing asset utilization, and enhancing service delivery to a diverse customer base. Stephen Schaeffer focuses on operational efficiency, strategic growth initiatives, and fostering collaboration among different divisions. The Group President plays a vital part in achieving the company's financial and operational targets, ensuring sustained reliability and customer satisfaction.

    Lynne Harkel-Rumford - Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Lynne Harkel-Rumford, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at CenterPoint Energy, directs all human capital strategies and organizational development initiatives. This leadership role encompasses talent acquisition, employee engagement, compensation and benefits, and fostering a robust corporate culture aligned with CenterPoint Energy's operational goals. Harkel-Rumford ensures the company attracts and retains top talent essential for managing both electric transmission and distribution services and natural gas operations across multiple states. Overseeing workforce planning, Harkel-Rumford supports the company's expansion and optimization efforts within the wholesale power market and the natural gas distribution network. Lynne Harkel-Rumford drives initiatives that enhance employee experience and support the company's mission of providing reliable energy services.
    Lynne Harkel-Rumford

    Bradley Krol - Vice President & Chief Technology Officer

    Bradley Krol, the Vice President & Chief Technology Officer at CenterPoint Energy, architects and executes the company's technology vision and infrastructure. Krol oversees the integration of advanced technological solutions to enhance operational efficiency across both the Electric and Natural Gas segments. This includes managing IT systems, cybersecurity protocols, and digital transformation projects critical for optimizing electric generation assets and natural gas distribution networks. Bradley Krol ensures that technology investments directly support CenterPoint Energy's strategic objectives, including improving customer service and managing the complexities of wholesale power market participation. The Chief Technology Officer drives innovation, enabling the company to adapt to evolving energy landscapes and maintain a competitive edge in service delivery.

    Bertha Villatoro - Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

    Bertha Villatoro, the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at CenterPoint Energy, spearheads critical human resources functions, focusing on talent management and organizational effectiveness. Villatoro collaborates with executive leadership to develop and implement strategies that support the company's extensive operations in electric transmission and distribution, as well as natural gas sales and transportation. This role involves cultivating a high-performance work environment and ensuring compliance with labor regulations across Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, and Texas. Bertha Villatoro's leadership ensures that CenterPoint Energy's workforce is equipped to meet the demands of serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The Chief Human Resources Officer drives initiatives that foster employee development and align human capital with the company's long-term growth objectives.

    Keith Stephens - Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer

    Keith Stephens, the Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer at CenterPoint Energy, leads all corporate communications, public relations, and stakeholder engagement strategies. Stephens is responsible for shaping and disseminating the company's narrative across its Electric and Natural Gas operations, ensuring clear and consistent messaging to customers, investors, and the public. This role involves managing media relations, internal communications, and corporate social responsibility initiatives that highlight CenterPoint Energy's commitment to reliable service and community support. Keith Stephens ensures effective communication regarding the company's operational performance, regulatory matters, and strategic objectives. The Chief Communications Officer plays a key part in building and maintaining CenterPoint Energy's reputation and public trust.
    Keith Stephens

    Jason Ryan - Executive VP, Regulatory Services & Government Affairs

    Jason Ryan, the Executive VP, Regulatory Services & Government Affairs at CenterPoint Energy, directs the company's engagement with regulatory bodies and government entities across its operating regions. Ryan oversees the development and implementation of strategies to navigate complex regulatory landscapes impacting both the Electric and Natural Gas segments. This leadership function is critical for securing approvals for rate adjustments, infrastructure investments, and operational changes necessary for serving customers in Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, and Texas. Jason Ryan ensures CenterPoint Energy's compliance with all applicable regulations and advocates for policies that support reliable energy delivery and business growth. The Executive VP, Regulatory Services & Government Affairs fosters constructive relationships with policymakers and regulators.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding CenterPoint Energy Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads CenterPoint Energy?
    CenterPoint Energy is led by Gary Whitlock (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Christopher Foster (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and Beck Randy (President Vectren Fuels).
    Who is part of CenterPoint Energy’s executive team?
    The executive team of CenterPoint Energy includes leaders such as Gary Whitlock (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Christopher Foster (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Beck Randy (President Vectren Fuels) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does CenterPoint Energy have?
    CenterPoint Energy has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in CenterPoint Energy’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of CenterPoint Energy includes roles such as Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President Vectren Fuels, Group President, Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer.