Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. announced the appointment of Christopher M. Capone as president and CEO, effective immediately. He replaces Charles Freni, who will be retiring.
Freni”™s leadership of the utility came under criticism during the problematic rollout of a new billing system that overcharged customers. U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan and several state legislators openly called for Freni”™s resignation and the utility is the subject of an ongoing state investigation and a class action lawsuit.
Capone served as the utility”™s executive vice president and chief financial officer from 2003 through last year, when he announced his retirement.
“The Central Hudson Board of Directors believes the time is right for a change of leadership,” said Margarita Dilley, chairwoman of the Central Hudson Gas & Electric”™s board of directors. “Chris has a demonstrated history of successfully navigating challenges and leading teams to positive outcomes. We are confident in his ability to move the organization forward and to communicate those results to all stakeholders clearly and consistently.”
“A key priority will be addressing the frustrations some customers have felt resulting from the implementation of the new customer billing system. We have hired a significant number of additional personnel including contact center employees and other professionals to work on these issues around the clock,” said Capone. “More must be done and my commitment to you is I will be transparent about the progress we are making. There are more than 1,100 dedicated and talented professionals at our company who work tirelessly to deliver safe and reliable energy to their neighbors in communities throughout the mid-Hudson Valley. As the new CEO, I will work to support them so they in turn can support our customers.”
Photo: Christopher M. Capone
