Dynegy Inc. has named former Duke Energy Corp. executive Bruce A. Williamson as its next president and CEO. Williamson's appointment is effective immediately.
In his new position, Williamson will be responsible for the development and execution of Dynegy's business strategy. Williamson explained that he took the position because he thought that Dynegy could "reestablish itself as an energy industry leader."
Before joining Dynegy, Williamson worked for the last 5 years in Houston for Charlotte, NC-based Duke Energy, most recently serving as president and CEO of the company's Duke Energy Global Markets unit.
In 1997, Williamson was named president and CEO of Duke Energy International.
After the merger of Duke Power and PanEnergy Corp. in 1997, he worked as senior vice-president, business development and risk management. Before the merger, Williamson was vice-president, finance, for PanEnergy.
Before joining PanEnergy, William- son held various positions at Royal Dutch/Shell Group for 14 years, most recently serving as assistant treasurer of Shell Oil Co.
Other moves
Robert Calentine has been named interim CEO of Oklahoma City-based Aspen Group Resources Corp. Calentine has served on Aspen's board since May. Jack Wheeler, currently Aspen's chairman and CEO, has resigned. Wheeler has held other positions within Aspen since joining the company in September 1999.
Separately, Ron Mercer has been appointed as Aspen's vice-president, operations. Mercer has worked in various capacities with Aspen since 1999.
Byron Grote has been appointed chief financial officer of BP PLC, effective Nov. 21. Grote succeeds John Buchan- an, who has served as CFO since 1996 and has worked for the company for 33 years.
Grote was appointed an executive director of BP and chief executive of BP Chemicals in August 2000. Following his appointment, Grote will retain his additional responsibilities for the integrated supply and trading function and the Asia region.
Rodney Chase, currently deputy chief executive, will assume Grote's responsibilities for BP Chemicals, while BP Exploration Chief Executive Richard Olver will assume Buchan- an's responsibilities for Australasia.
Kansas City-based Aquila Inc. has named Rick Dobson as the company's interim CFO effective Nov. 20.
In his new position, Dobson will oversee the accounting, treasury, and financial management activities of Aquila's US and Canadian operations. He will succeed Dan Streek, who has served as the company's CFO since August 2001 and will leave Aquila later this year, the company said.
Dobson joined Aquila in 1989 as vice-president and controller of its energy merchant subsidiary and held that post until 1995. He then left to work for another company, returning to Aquila in 1997 as vice-president, risk management and accounting. During 1981-89, Dobson served as an audit manager for Arthur Andersen.
Before being named CFO, Streek worked as CFO and treasurer of Aquila's merchant services unit. Streek has worked for Aquila since 1992.
