FirstEnergy appoints Toby Thomas as COO

FirstEnergy announced that Wade Smith has been named president, FirstEnergy Utilities, and Toby Thomas has been named COO of FirstEnergy, effective Dec. 18 and Nov. 30, respectively. The addition of these two senior executives is an important step in driving forward the company’s transformation into a premier electric utility. Both leaders will report directly to President and CEO Brian Tierney. Today’s executive appointments are the first in a series of senior roles FirstEnergy will fill as part of a new business structure that will enhance execution at the utility level by shifting decision making and accountability closer to customers. As president, FirstEnergy Utilities, Smith will oversee the company’s state businesses – Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and a combined West Virginia/Maryland division – as well as its stand-alone transmission companies. The leaders of these five businesses will report to Smith and be responsible for financial and operational performance as well as regulatory outcomes in their respective areas. The company is engaging with internal and external candidates to fill these leadership positions. Smith will also have responsibility for FirstEnergy’s Rates & Regulatory Affairs and External Affairs groups. As COO, Thomas will be responsible for a broad range of transmission and distribution business functions including planning and protection, transmission and substation engineering, project and construction management, system operations, support operations and safety and human performance. In addition, the Customer Experience group will report to Thomas. Smith most recently served as COO of Puget Sound Energy. Thomas joins FirstEnergy after more than two decades at American Electric Power, where he most recently served as senior vice president – AEP Energy Delivery.