COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 18, 1999 -- John F. Norris Jr. will join American Electric Power (NYSE:AEP) as senior vice president reporting to Paul D. Addis, AEP executive vice president. Norris is currently president and chief operating officer of the American Bureau of Shipping Group Inc. The Houston-based firm provides management and technical services related to industry's safety, quality and environmental concerns. ABS has 230 offices in 90 countries.
In his new position with AEP, Norris will assume overall responsibility for the operation of power plants, natural gas facilities, and coal mines, including all professional support services and physical assets associated with each.
"John's previous experience as chairman and CEO of Duke Energy Global Asset Development will prove invaluable as we continue to develop an organization that integrates our expertise in power generation and wholesale energy markets," said Addis.
In his role with Duke's Global Asset Development organization, Norris was responsible for all North American power plants outside of North and South Carolina. Internationally, he was responsible for all energy assets of Duke Energy including gas and oil exploration and production, gas processing, gas pipelines, power plants, electric transmission lines, electric and gas and natural gas liquid trading and marketing, and LNG ship operations.
As president and CEO of Duke Engineering & Services from 1989 to 1998, Norris was responsible for developing the unit into one of the largest engineering companies in the United States. In 1998, Norris was named chairman and CEO of Global Asset Development and senior vice president, Duke Energy Corp.
From 1982 to 1989, he held a variety of positions with Duke Power related to the management and operation of Duke's three nuclear stations. Norris managed mechanical and nuclear engineering for Oconee Nuclear Station, managed nuclear fuel supply for all three of Duke's nuclear stations, and provided licensing support for the Oconee Station.
Norris holds a bachelor of science degree in nuclear engineering from North Carolina State University. Before joining Duke Power, he served 10 years in the U.S. Air Force as a fighter pilot, development engineer, safety officer, training officer, instructor pilot and flight examiner.
Norris is a registered professional engineer and is affiliated with the American Nuclear Society, American Society of Mechanical Engineers and National Society of Professional Engineers.
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.
For More Information, Contact:
Pat Hemlepp
Manager Media Relations
American Electric Power
614/223-1620