FirstEnergy Names Utility Exec To Lead New Value-Added Products/Services Group; CEO Says Customers Want "Utility" To Offer New Smart Energy Products

FirstEnergy Corp. announced that Dennis Chack has been named senior vice president, Marketing and Branding.

Chack, currently president, Ohio Operations, will have overall responsibility for corporate branding and marketing of services and energy efficiency programs and will report to FirstEnergy President and Chief Executive Officer Charles E. Jones. He will also oversee the newly created FirstEnergy Products group, which will develop new value-added products and services that benefit customers, the company said.

It was not immediately clear how, and through what channel, any new products/services would be presented to customers.

However, during prepared remarks at an annual shareholders meeting, FirstEnergy Corp. CEO Charles Jones said, in regard to smart meters and smart energy products, "I have also seen research showing that a majority of customers would like their utility to offer new energy management products that these smart meters would enable." (emphasis added)

Additionally, as noted by RetailEnergyX.com, the FirstEnergy Ohio utilities have sought authorization to market to their customers third-party insurance products (see RetailEnergyX.com for the story)

Reporting to Chack will be Gretchan Sekulich, vice president, Communications and Marketing, whose new responsibilities include creating a corporate marketing strategy and communications programs to promote FirstEnergy's brand and new products and services.

Gary Benz was named senior vice president, Strategy. Currently vice president, Supply Chain, Benz will report to executive vice president, Markets and Chief Legal Officer Leila Vespoli. Benz will lead the ongoing refinement of FirstEnergy's corporate strategy and long-term business forecast, monitor strategy implementation and oversee development of new business opportunities.