Sempra Energy CEO elected chairman of company

SAN DIEGO - The board of directors of Sempra Energy announced that CEO Jeffrey W. Martin was elected chairman of the company, effective Dec. 1.

Martin, 56, will succeed Debra L. Reed, who is retiring from Sempra Energy on Dec. 1.

Martin has served as CEO since May and has held a variety of increasingly responsible leadership positions in his 13 years with the Sempra Energy family of companies.

"Early in his tenure as CEO, Jeff Martin has outlined a new strategy to focus on -- and grow -- Sempra Energy's North American business,'' said William C. Rusnack, lead independent director for Sempra Energy. "Jeff also has implemented important steps to further optimize the company's diversified business portfolio. Our board of directors strongly believes Jeff will provide the leadership necessary to continue to create long-term value for our shareholders and other key stakeholders by serving in the dual role of chairman and CEO.''

Prior to becoming Sempra Energy's CEO in May, Martin was executive vice president and chief financial officer of the San Diego-based energy services holding company, which had 2017 revenues of more than $11 billion.

From 2014 through 2016, Martin was CEO of San Diego Gas & Electric, and from 2010 through 2013, he was president and CEO of Sempra U.S. Gas & Power and Sempra Generation, the predecessor companies of Sempra Energy's renewable energy and midstream businesses. Prior to that, he was vice president of investor relations for Sempra Energy, where he began working in 2004 in the mergers and acquisitions group.

A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Martin holds a master's degree in public administration from the University of Texas, El Paso, and a law degree from the University of Miami.