8-KLeadership ChangesRegulation FDExhibits & Filings

CMS ENERGY CORP 8-K Report, Executive Changes (Jan 26, 2016)

Filed January 26, 2016For Securities:CMSCMS-PCCMSACMSCCMSD

Summary

CMS Energy Corporation (CMS) filed an 8-K on January 26, 2016, announcing significant leadership changes. Effective July 1, 2016, John G. Russell will retire as President and CEO of CMS Energy and Consumers Energy, transitioning to Chairman of the Boards. He will be succeeded by Patricia Kessler Poppe, who is currently Senior Vice President of Distribution Operations, Engineering, and Transmission. This transition represents a planned succession, with Poppe's nomination to the Boards scheduled for May 2016. David W. Joos will retire as Chairman after 15 years of service. Additionally, William D. Harvey, former Chairman and CEO of Alliant Energy, is expected to be elected as Presiding Director on May 6, 2016. The company also announced that it will hold a webcast on January 27, 2016, to discuss these leadership changes, along with 2015 financial results and a business outlook. Investors should note that while this 8-K provides details on these executive and board changes, it also clarifies that information furnished as an exhibit is not deemed "filed" for Section 18 purposes.

Key Highlights

  • 1Planned succession of CEO: John G. Russell to retire as President and CEO of CMS Energy and Consumers Energy on July 1, 2016.
  • 2Internal promotion to CEO: Patricia Kessler Poppe, currently Senior Vice President of Distribution Operations, Engineering, and Transmission, will succeed Russell as President and CEO.
  • 3Leadership transition to the Board: John G. Russell will transition to Chairman of the Boards of CMS Energy and Consumers Energy.
  • 4Board leadership changes: David W. Joos to retire as Chairman, and William D. Harvey to be elected as Presiding Director.
  • 5Upcoming webcast scheduled for January 27, 2016, to discuss leadership changes, 2015 financial results, and business outlook.
  • 6Exhibit 99.1, a CMS Energy News Release, is attached to this filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Patricia Kessler Poppe, currently Senior Vice President of Distribution Operations, Engineering, and Transmission for CMS Energy and Consumers Energy, will succeed John G. Russell as President and Chief Executive Officer on July 1, 2016. She is also nominated to join the Boards in May 2016.

John G. Russell will retire as President and Chief Executive Officer of CMS Energy and Consumers Energy on July 1, 2016. He is expected to become the Chairman of the Boards for both companies effective May 6, 2016.

CMS Energy announced a webcast to discuss these items, along with certain 2015 financial results and a business outlook, scheduled for January 27, 2016, at 9:00 AM EST. The webcast can be accessed via the company's homepage.

Yes, David W. Joos, the current Chairman, is retiring after 15 years on the Boards. Additionally, William D. Harvey, former chairman and chief executive officer of Alliant Energy, is expected to be elected as the Presiding Director on May 6, 2016.