Direct Energy Announces Leadership Changes

Direct Energy announced changes to its leadership structure, "to better position the company for further growth and investment."

Steven Murray has been named Direct Energy's Chief Operating Officer (COO) with responsibility for back office operations, procurement, information technology, and the company's call centers. Murray is charged with achieving industry-leading consolidated operations and IT processes and functions. Previously, Murray served as president of Direct Energy Residential.

Manu Asthana replaces Murray as president of Direct Energy Residential and is overseeing the company's strategic focus on innovation and brand differentiation. Prior to his new role, Asthana held the position of head of upstream and supply and trading.

With the completion of Direct Energy's acquisition of Hess' Energy Marketing business, John Schultz is now president of Direct Energy Business with oversight of Direct Energy's commercial and industrial and supply and trading businesses, as well as the former energy marketing business of Hess. Prior to his new role, Schultz served as head of east region for Direct Energy Business.

Scott Boose, president of Direct Energy Services, will maintain his current role overseeing the largest home services provider in North America in the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical industries, with a focus on a wide range of services including offering protection plans through the new Home Comfort Collection and leasing of water heaters and HVAC equipment.

Murray, Asthana, Boose, and Schultz will continue to report to Badar Khan, president and CEO of Direct Energy.

"The restructuring enables the organization to meet the future needs of its customers through increased emphasis on innovative products and technologies across North America," Direct Energy said.