August 25, 2005
ROSEMEAD, Calif., Aug. 25, 2005—Southern California Edison (SCE), the utility subsidiary of Edison International (NYSE:EIX), today announced that Robert G. Foster, 58, will be leaving his position as president of SCE on Sept. 30, 2005, and will serve as a senior advisor to the company until his formal retirement, Dec. 31, 2005.
Foster plans to pursue his long-held passion to run for elected office or pursue other public service opportunities. He has formed an exploratory committee and is considering running for mayor of Long Beach, where he resides.
SCE Chairman John E. Bryson said, “Bob assumed the presidency of SCE at a crucial moment in our history in 2002, with the effects of the California power crisis still fresh and our financial strength in question. His leadership has been invaluable in helping us emerge stronger than ever.”
Al Fohrer, SCE chief executive officer, said, “Bob used his talent for communication, coalition building, and strategic thinking to help us move positively forward. His consistent achievements made him a key partner in our current success. He will be missed.”
Foster began his SCE career in 1984 as head of the company’s Sacramento office, serving as principal liaison to the California Legislature and state agencies dealing with energy issues. He was elected vice president of public affairs in 1993, promoted to senior vice president in 1996, and assumed the position of senior vice president of external affairs for both SCE and Edison International in 2001. Foster became SCE president in 2002.
Foster said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed my career at SCE and believe it is a company of outstanding character. I now want to serve the community and state in public service. I want to thank all of the SCE employees for the opportunity to work with them over the last 21 years. This has been a rich experience that has resulted in many wonderful friendships and accomplishments.”
Before joining SCE, Foster owned and operated an independent public policy research and consulting firm. He previously served as deputy director for the California State Energy Resources Conservation Commission and chief consultant to the California State Senate Committee on Energy and Public Utilities.
Foster serves on a number of governing bodies for civic, cultural and governmental organizations and agencies, including the boards of directors of the California Institute, the California Foundation on the Environment and Economy, and the Long Beach Aquarium. He is also a trustee of the California State University system and on the CSU-Foundation Board. Foster earned a bachelor of arts in public administration at San Jose State University.
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An Edison International (NYSE:EIX) company, Southern California Edison is one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, serving a population of more than 13 million via 4.6 million customer accounts in a 50,000-square-mile service area within central, coastal and Southern California.
