JACKSON, Mich., April 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- CMS Energy announced today that Brian Rich, an executive with more than 15 years of experience with global utility, telecommunication and information technology firms, will start as vice president and chief information officer, effective July 1.
"Brian brings a very strong base of experience, including significant experience in the utility sector and a proven record as an outstanding leader. He will play a central role in our effort to continually improve the service we provide to our 2.9 million customers," said John Butler, Consumers Energy's senior vice president of human resources and shared services.
In his new role, Rich will have overall responsibility for the information technology systems for CMS Energy and its principal subsidiary, Consumers Energy, a Michigan electricity and natural gas provider. He will report to Butler.
Rich has served as vice president of business technology for San Francisco-based Pacific Gas and Electric Co., overseeing the company's technology strategy. He started with PG&E in 2010 and was responsible for the technology deployment of the largest smart meter implementation in North American history.
Prior to joining PG&E, Rich held a series of progressively responsible positions for Accenture, starting in 1996, providing strategic and technological services to companies worldwide.
He holds a bachelor's degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and serves currently on various boards of directors.
CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS) is a Michigan-based company that has an electric and natural gas utility, Consumers Energy, as its primary business and also owns and operates independent power generation businesses.
For more information on CMS Energy, please visit our website at www.cmsenergy.com
SOURCE CMS Energy