December 13, 2001
Steve Frank to retire; Board elects Al Fohrer Chairman/CEO and Bob Foster as President
ROSEMEAD, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 13, 2001- Southern California Edison (SCE) Chairman, President and CEO Stephen E. Frank, 60, today announced his retirement. The SCE Board of Directors elected Alan J. Fohrer, 51, as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the company and also elected Robert G. Foster, 54, as President of the utility. These changes will be effective on Jan. 1, 2002.
Frank, who had postponed his decision to retire while the company dealt with the California energy crisis, said he has wanted to spend more time pursuing personal interests. Calling Frank's commitment and leadership "invaluable," John E. Bryson, Chairman, CEO and President of Edison International (SCE's parent corporation), expressed deep appreciation to Frank for over six years of capable and effective leadership, including Frank's willingness, at Bryson's request, to stay and help the utility through one of the most challenging periods of its 100-year history. Bryson also conveyed enthusiastic support for Fohrer and Foster, saying they will provide the committed and experienced leadership that is essential to guide SCE into the future.
"Steve Frank's leadership and his dedication to the company and its employees were invaluable during his more than six years as CEO, especially his steady hand during the heat of the state's energy crisis and our company's financial crisis," said Bryson. "Along with all of SCE's employees, I am grateful that he agreed to stay on and help navigate the utility through the great challenge of the past year."
Fohrer, who will succeed Frank as SCE Chairman and CEO, is currently President and CEO of Edison Mission Energy (EME), the Irvine-based EIX company that is among the country's largest generation businesses.
Fohrer, who has nearly a 29-year history with Edison International companies, started as an engineer for SCE and moved on to serve in a variety of senior positions including Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of SCE and EIX. He has been CEO of EME for the last two years.
"Al has deep knowledge and management experience in nearly every aspect of SCE's business", said Bryson. "Throughout his career, he has taken on large challenges and worked effectively with others as a respected leader."
Joining Fohrer to lead the utility as President will be Robert Foster, who has been with SCE for 17 years in a variety of roles and currently serves as Senior Vice President of External Affairs for both EIX and SCE. Foster has played a pivotal role in leading the company as it dealt with the California energy crisis. Prior to joining Edison, Foster worked as chief of staff to the California Senate Energy Committee and as deputy director of the California Energy Commission, where he helped develop the state's landmark energy conservation policy.
"Bob brings broad experience in public affairs, outstanding leadership skills and a demonstrated record of accomplishments" Bryson noted. "He is a 25-year veteran in the energy arena and has the expertise and insights to help Al Fohrer lead the company."
Bryson said he could not think of two people more capable of leading any utility in this volatile era.
"SCE has two interwoven priorities in the near future," Bryson said. "It must re-establish its financial strength, and it must provide the safe, reliable service our customers expect. This is the right leadership team to lead us in meeting those vital goals."
The SCE Board also elected Steve Pickett, 51, as a Senior Vice President. Pickett has been with SCE since 1978 and is currently Vice President and General Counsel. He has played a pivotal role in resolving key issues before state and federal regulatory bodies. Bryson said, "As SCE's General Counsel, Steve has consistently shown strong leadership skills and sound judgment. This was particularly evident during the energy crisis over the past year."
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An Edison International company, Southern California Edison is one of the nation's largest electric utilities, serving a population of more than 11 million people via 4.3 million customer accounts in a 50,000-square-mile service are within central, coastal and southern California.
