CenterPoint Energy Appoints Jesus Soto, Jr. as COO

Soto is known for his track record of delivering operational excellence; executing large scale capital projects; and driving safety culture

HOUSTON, July 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CenterPoint Energy (CNP) is betting big on operational prowess, announcing Jesus Soto, Jr. as its new Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective August 11, 2025. Soto, a seasoned energy executive with deep Texas roots, will report directly to President & CEO Jason Wells and assume responsibility for Electric Operations, Gas Operations, Safety, Supply Chain, and Customer Care across CenterPoint’s multi-state footprint.

Soto brings a wealth of experience to the table, boasting over 30 years in the energy sector. His track record includes managing large teams, delivering operational excellence across electric transmission & distribution, gas transmission & distribution, and generation segments. He’s also known for executing large-scale capital projects on time and within budget, and for fostering strong safety cultures.

“Jesus’s arrival marks a pivotal moment for CenterPoint,” said Jason Wells, President & CEO, in a statement. “We’re in the midst of a dynamic growth phase, with a planned $31 billion capital investment over the next five years. Soto’s expertise is a perfect fit to steer us through this expansion, ensuring we meet the burgeoning economic demands of our core markets. His insights will be invaluable in enhancing safety and reliability for the communities we serve.”

Soto echoed this sentiment, stating: “I’m thrilled to join CenterPoint’s high-performing team. Serving 7 million customers across Texas, Indiana, Ohio, and Minnesota is a significant responsibility. The capital work ahead is substantial, particularly in Texas, as we strive to meet escalating energy needs. I’m eager to contribute to our resiliency and growth objectives, ensuring our teams deliver safely and our customers experience improved outcomes – nothing less is acceptable.”

A Houston mainstay, Soto most recently served as Executive Vice President of Quanta Services, a Fortune 200 company, since 2023. His resume also includes a stint as Chief Operating Officer for Mears Group, Inc., a prominent engineering & construction firm specializing in the oil & gas pipeline, gas distribution, telecom and pipeline integrity sectors. He previously held senior leadership positions with PG&E Corporation in Northern California and El Paso Corporation in Houston, Texas.

Beyond his corporate roles, Soto sits on the Board of Directors of GTI Energy, an energy technology development and training company, and chairs the Industry Pipeline Safety Management Systems Team of the American Petroleum Institute, highlighting his commitment to both innovation and safety within the energy landscape.

Soto holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso, a master’s degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M University, and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company serving approximately 7 million metered customers across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas. The company is headquartered in Houston and is the only Texas-domiciled investor-owned utility. As of March 31, 2025, the company had approximately $44 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been serving customers for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

Forward-Looking Statement
This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release regarding future events that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date of this release. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) business strategies and strategic initiatives, acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses involving CenterPoint Energy or its industry; (2) CenterPoint Energy’s ability to fund and invest planned capital, and the timely recovery of its investments; (3) financial market and general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory, legislative and political actions or developments; and (5) other factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in CenterPoint Energy’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and CenterPoint’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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