COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 27, 1999 -- David A. Banks will join AEP Energy Services on July 28 as vice president of business systems and operations, according to Paul D. Addis, president of AEP Energy Services. AEP Energy Services, a subsidiary of American Electric Power (NYSE:AEP), markets and trades energy commodities and provides related services. In his new position, Banks will design, develop and implement information technology and business systems to support the company’s core trading activities. He will also be responsible for integrating business processes into AEP’s wholesale trading operation and for managing the scheduling of AEP’s Columbus-based natural gas and coal trading activities. "David brings a blend of experience in energy trading and business systems that will be invaluable to our organization as we continue to expand and grow,” said Addis. Banks joins AEP from Duke Energy Trading and Marketing, where he served as vice president of business systems for the company’s Western Operating Center. From 1990 to 1997, Banks worked for Louis Dreyfus Energy Corp., one of the world’s largest commodity trading firms. During his time with Dreyfus, Banks served as manager of European systems and administration, and as vice president - administration. Before joining Dreyfus, Banks served in various financial reporting capacities for Amerada Hess Corporation in New York. From 1983 to 1986, he worked for RCA Global Communications, Inc. Banks holds a bachelor of arts degree in economics from the University of Connecticut and an MBA in finance from New York University. AEP, a global energy company, is one of the United States' largest investor-owned utilities, providing energy to 3 million customers in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. AEP has holdings in the United States, the United Kingdom, China and Australia. Wholly owned subsidiaries provide power engineering, energy consulting and energy management services around the world. The company is based in Columbus, Ohio. On Dec. 22, 1997, AEP announced a definitive merger agreement for a tax-free, stock-for-stock transaction with Central and South West Corp., a public utility holding company based in Dallas.