Theo Bunting retires after 34 years with Entergy; Rod West promoted

Theo Bunting, group president of utility operations for Entergy Corp., is retiring after 34 years with the company.

On Monday (May 15), Entergy announced Rod West, executive vice president and chief administrative officer, was named group president of utility operations. The appointment is effective July 1. West will work closely with Bunting to allow for a smooth transition, according to a news release.

West will report to Leo Denault, chairman and CEO for Entergy, and “will be responsible for the operational and financial performance of the regulated utilities, including electric and natural gas distribution, and customer service operations,” according to the release. Also, “West will oversee the utility’s engagement with state and local regulators, and regulated retail commercial development and innovation.”

“Rod’s knowledge, leadership, diverse utility experience and relentless focus on creating value for our stakeholders make him the right person for this role at a time when Entergy is becoming a pure-play utility,” Denault said. “As we embark on the utility’s $10.4 billion customer-centric capital plan, Rod will ensure we execute prudently, effectively and in the best interest of our stakeholders.”

In 2010, West was named executive vice president and chief administrative officer for Entergy and has served as a member of the company’s office of the chief executive since then. Between 2007 and 2010, he served as president of and CEO of Entergy New Orleans. West has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame, a Juris Doctor from Tulane University School of Law and a master’s degree in business administration from Tulane University.

Denault welcomed West to his new role and thanked Bunting for his service to the company. “He has helped position the utility for a successful time, and we are very grateful to Theo for his outstanding service to Entergy,” Denault said.

In April 2012, Bunting was named group president of utility operations. Previously, he was senior vice president and chief accounting officer for Entergy and its subsidiaries.