Patti Poppe
Patricia Poppe | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1969 Jackson, Michigan, U.S. |
| Occupation | Corporate executive |
| Years active | 1990–present |
| Known for | First woman CEO of two Fortune 500 companies; CEO of CMS Energy (2016–2020); CEO of PG&E (2021–present) |
Patricia Kessler Poppe (born 1969) is a prominent American corporate leader and notably the first woman to serve as CEO for two Fortune 500 corporations. She led CMS Energy as president and CEO from July 2016 until December 2020.[1] In November 2020, Poppe was named the next CEO of PG&E, assuming the role on January 4, 2021.
Early life and education
Born in 1969,[2] Poppe was raised in Jackson, Michigan. Her mother worked as a school principal and teacher, while her father, William Kessler, was employed as a nuclear engineer at Consumers Energy.[3] She completed her secondary education at Napoleon High School located in Jackson County.[2] Poppe earned both bachelor's and master's degrees in industrial engineering from Purdue University (1989 and 1991 respectively),[4] followed by a master's degree in management from the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University in 2005.[5]
General Motors and DTE Energy
Poppe began her professional journey at General Motors in 1990, where she held multiple positions over a 15-year tenure. In 2005, she transitioned to DTE Energy, initially serving as a power plant director before advancing to director of energy optimization.
CMS Energy
In late 2010, Consumers Energy announced Poppe's recruitment, and she commenced her role at CMS Energy in early 2011 as vice president of customer operations. She progressed to vice president of customer experience between 2013 and 2015, then elevated to senior vice president overseeing distribution operations, engineering, and transmission in 2015. In July 2016, Poppe took over from John Russell as CEO and president of CMS Energy. She maintained the presidency throughout 2017. Additionally, in February 2017, she co-authored an opinion piece endorsing a new ordinance against discrimination.
In recognition of her influence, Crain's Detroit Business included her among the 100 Most Influential Women in 2016. She has also been inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame.
Poppe’s departure from CMS Energy was announced in November 2020; she left on December 1 to assume leadership as CEO of Pacific Gas & Electric starting January 4, 2021. PG&E disclosed in April 2022 that her total direct compensation for the year 2021 exceeded $50 million.
Boards
By 2016, Poppe was actively engaged with organizations such as the Michigan Women's Foundation-Power of 100 Women, Detroit Regional Chamber, and Business Leaders for Michigan. She also contributed to advisory boards for the Jackson Symphony Orchestra and held directorship roles with AEGIS Limited and the Purdue University Society of Women Engineers Industrial board.
Personal life
Poppe is married to Eric, who is employed by General Motors. Together they have two children and reside in Lafayette, California as of 2021.
See also
External links
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- American women corporate directors
- American corporate directors
- 20th-century American businesspeople
- 21st-century American businesspeople
- Living people
- American chief executives of Fortune 500 companies
- Purdue University College of Engineering alumni
- Stanford Graduate School of Business alumni
- American women chief executives
- 20th-century American businesswomen
- 21st-century American businesswomen
- Pacific Gas and Electric Company people
- 1969 births