Great Plains Energy Incorporated (NYSE: GXP) and Kansas City Power &
Light Company (KCP&L) today announced that Scott Heidtbrink, senior vice
president – Supply, has been appointed executive vice president and
chief operating officer of KCP&L and KCP&L Greater Missouri Operations.
Heidtbrink replaces Terry Bassham, who was recently named president and
chief executive officer to succeed Michael J. Chesser following his
retirement, effective June 1, 2012. In his new role, Heidtbrink will
have management responsibility for all utility operations, including
Generation, Transmission and Delivery Operations, Customer Service and
Supply Chain.
The companies also announced today that Michael Deggendorf, senior vice
president – Delivery, has been named senior vice president – Corporate
Services. Deggendorf will oversee the company’s new transmission
partnership – Transource Energy℠ LLC (Transource), its construction
organization including the $1.2 billion environmental retrofit project
at La Cygne generating station and the company’s corporate safety and
facilities departments.
In addition, Kevin Noblet, senior director of renewables and gas
generation, was promoted to vice president – Generation, where he will
be responsible for the company’s generation strategy, including the
long-term planning and financial performance of the Generation division,
supply resources and generation engineering.
“The appointments of these individuals reflect the Board’s commitment to
a strong and dynamic management team," said Mike Chesser, chairman and
chief executive officer of Great Plains Energy. "Today's announcements
are a reflection of the contributions these individuals have made to our
company and the community and we are confident in their continued
success at KCP&L.”
Heidtbrink is a 25-year energy-industry veteran currently responsible
for KCP&L’s power generation operations. Heidtbrink joined KCP&L in 2008
as a result of the acquisition of Aquila. Prior to joining KCP&L, he
served as vice president, Power Generation and Energy Resources, at
Aquila. He joined Aquila in 1987 as a field engineer and held various
gas and electric distribution positions in operations engineering and
field and customer operations, achieving promotions to state president,
general manager and vice president levels. He also led the development
of Six Sigma into Aquila's utility operations.
“Scott is a tremendous asset to the company. His extensive operational
experience and demonstrated sound judgment made him the ideal candidate
for this role,” said Bassham.