Duke Energy announced five executive appointments focused on strengthening the company's regulatory and economic development initiatives.

Clark Gillespy, currently Duke Energy's South Carolina state president, will become senior vice president of economic development, a new position, leading an enterprise-wide economic development team that will seek to identify and attract new and expanding industries to Duke Energy's service areas. Gillespy will also lead the company's efforts to identify and promote wider adoption of new and emerging grid-enabled technologies, including electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Alex Glenn, currently Duke Energy's Florida state president, will become senior vice president of state and federal regulatory legal support, partnering with the company's corporate and regulatory strategy team and state presidents to advance rate and regulatory initiatives, and update regulatory models. Glenn also will provide legal advice on state and federal regulatory matters.

Kodwo Ghartey-Tagoe, currently senior vice president of state and federal regulatory legal support, will succeed Gillespy as South Carolina state president. Ghartey-Tagoe will be responsible for the financial performance of South Carolina and manage state and local regulatory and government relations, and community affairs. He will work closely with Glenn's team and the corporate and regulatory strategy team to advance rate and regulatory initiatives in South Carolina.

Harry Sideris, currently senior vice president of environmental health and safety, will succeed Glenn as Florida state president. Sideris will be responsible for the financial performance of Florida and manage state and local regulatory and government relations, and community affairs. He will also work with Glenn's team and the corporate and regulatory strategy team to advance rate and regulatory initiatives in Florida.

Paul Draovitch, currently senior vice president for fossil-hydro operations, will succeed Sideris as senior vice president of environmental health and safety. Draovitch will be responsible for developing and advancing policies, programs, and strategies to ensure Duke Energy's compliance with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations.

"These changes bolster ongoing efforts to better serve our customers and communities, and strengthen our focus on economic development," said Lynn Good Duke Energy chairman, president, and CEO. "As we continue our progress, these changes will also broaden the depth and business perspective of our leadership team."

The appointments will have varying effective dates between now and year-end.