"These leadership changes reflect our continued commitment to customer service, along with the expanded vision of an energy solutions company," said Eric Pike, Chairman and CEO of Pike Electric. "Whether our customers need traditional transmission and distribution (T&D) construction, engineering, substation construction, EPC, renewable energy, or any combination of these services, Pike Electric stands ready to provide the turn-key energy solutions they need."

Effective January 1, the company's T&D Operations will be restructured into two regions -- East and West, with the Engineering/Substation/Renewable Operations remaining nationally focused.

These changes are designed to improve customer focus, while implementing the company's energy solutions vision, gaining cost efficiencies and providing a renewed focus on transmission construction.

"With the increased synergies and service offerings resulting from our acquisition of Energy Delivery Services (EDS) in September, we've positioned ourselves as an energy solutions company -- helping our customers meet the needs of their customers," said Pike. "As the business evolves to serve a broader, more diversified footprint and turn-key functionality, our structure -- and our management team -- need to mold that new vision."

Operations management will be led by three senior vice presidents, with responsibility for the T&D East Region, T&D West Region, and Engineering/Substations/Renewables, National.

"Together, our goal is to provide our customers all the energy solutions they may need, while continuing to grow our business and control our costs," said Pike.

Pike Electric's T&D East Region will be led by Jim Benfield, Senior Vice President. The T&D West Region will be led by Tim Harshbarger, Senior Vice President. Benfield and Harshbarger will report to Audie Simmons, Executive Vice President Operations, reporting to Pike. Jim Hicks will continue to serve as Senior Vice President, Engineering/Substation/Renewables, reporting to Pike.

Benfield formerly served as Regional Vice President. He's held positions in nearly every facet of Pike Electric, including customer service and supervisory roles, over a span of more than 25 years at the company. Benfield earned a degree in electrical engineering from NC State University.

"Jim's depth of experience brings tremendous strength to the leadership team," said Pike.