8-KLeadership ChangesExhibits & Filings

CENTERPOINT ENERGY INC 8-K Report, Executive Changes (Jul 21, 2025)

Filed July 21, 2025For Securities:CNP

Summary

CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (CNP) has announced the appointment of Jesus Soto, Jr. as its new Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective August 11, 2025. Mr. Soto brings a wealth of experience from leadership roles at Quanta Services, PG&E Corporation, and El Paso Corporation, with a strong background in utility operations and energy infrastructure. This strategic hire is expected to bolster the company's operational leadership as it navigates the evolving energy landscape. In addition to Mr. Soto's appointment, the company's Board of Directors approved an amendment to its Deferred Compensation Plan. Effective January 1, 2026, this amendment will allow senior officers (Senior Vice President and above) to defer a higher percentage of their salary and short-term incentive compensation, up to 90%. This provides flexibility for executive compensation planning and retention.

Key Highlights

  • 1Appointment of Jesus Soto, Jr. as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective August 11, 2025.
  • 2Jesus Soto, Jr. has extensive experience in utility operations, including prior roles at PG&E Corporation and Quanta Services.
  • 3Mr. Soto's compensation includes a base salary of $725,000, with target STI at 80% and LTI at 260% of base salary.
  • 4A significant restricted stock unit award of $6 million is granted to Mr. Soto, vesting over four years, to compensate for forfeited equity from his previous employer.
  • 5The Deferred Compensation Plan has been amended to allow senior officers to defer up to 90% of salary and short-term incentive compensation.
  • 6The amendment to the Deferred Compensation Plan is effective January 1, 2026.
  • 7No family relationships or reportable transactions exist between Mr. Soto and the Company's directors or executive officers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jesus Soto, Jr. has been appointed as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of CenterPoint Energy, Inc., with his tenure beginning on August 11, 2025.

Mr. Soto, 58, has a robust background in the energy sector, including serving as Executive Vice President of Utility Performance Solutions at Quanta Services, Chief Operating Officer for Mears Group, Inc. (a Quanta subsidiary), and Senior Vice President of Gas Operations for PG&E Corporation. He also held positions at El Paso Corporation.

Mr. Soto will receive an annual base salary of $725,000. He is eligible for the Company's incentive plans, with a target Short-Term Incentive (STI) award of 80% of base salary and a target Long-Term Incentive (LTI) award of 260% of base salary. Additionally, he will receive a $6 million restricted stock unit award, vesting over four years, as a retention incentive.

The Fifth Amendment to the CenterPoint Energy 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan, effective January 1, 2026, allows officers at the Senior Vice President level or higher to defer up to 90% of their salary and/or short-term incentive compensation. This plan is a nonqualified, unfunded plan.