Sempra Energy said that Jessie J. Knight, Jr., executive vice president of external affairs for Sempra Energy and chairman of Southern California Gas and San Diego Gas & Electric, plans to retire November 1.
Steven D. Davis, currently president and chief operating officer of SDG&E, has been elected to succeed Knight as executive vice president of external affairs and corporate strategy for Sempra Energy, effective September 26, the company informed in a statement.
In his new role, Davis, 59, will report directly to Debra L. Reed, chairman and CEO of Sempra Energy, and oversee all of Sempra Energy’s communications, government relations, regulatory and international affairs activities, as well as corporate social responsibility and long-term strategy review.
Once Davis’ new appointment is effective, Knight will continue on as a Sempra Energy executive vice president and chairman of the two California utilities until his retirement.
Davis is a board member of the Western Energy Institute and also serves on the board of the California Chamber of Commerce.