Navigating the Energy Transition Series

Nick Akins is chairman, president and chief executive officer of American Electric Power (AEP). Akins began his career in 1982 as an electrical engineer at Central and South West Corp., which merged with AEP in 2000.

Under his leadership, AEP is investing in modernization and security of the electric grid, resource diversification, and technology and innovation – enabling the transition to a clean energy future while preserving universal access to the grid for all customers. Akins led a culture transformation to engage employees in customer-focused innovation, enhance diversity and inclusiveness, and build workforce agility for a digital future. Through strategic partnerships and collaboration with customers, Akins has positioned AEP to redefine the future of energy and embrace the transformation sweeping the industry.

Prior to being elected president of AEP in December 2010, he served as executive vice president of Generation, president and chief operating officer for Southwestern Electric Power Company and held other leadership roles in Energy Marketing Services, Transmission, External Affairs and Industry Restructuring for AEP.

Akins is a former chairman of the Board of Directors of both the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) and the Electric Power Research Institute, as well as the former chair of the U.S. Business Roundtable Energy and Environment Committee, of which he remains a member. Currently, he serves as chairman of the boards of the Ohio Business Roundtable, Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited, and Global Sustainable Electricity Partnership. Additionally, he is a member of the boards of EEI, Institute of Nuclear Power Operators, The Columbus Partnership, Columbus Downtown Development Corporation, Fifth Third Bancorp, OhioHealth and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. In 2020, he was appointed to a two-year term on the National Petroleum Council.

A Louisiana native, Akins holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from Louisiana Tech University.

Mr. Hutchens’ career in the energy sector spans more than 25 years, having held a variety of positions at our electric and gas utilities in Arizona. In addition to being Chief Operating Officer of Fortis, he is also Chief Executive Officer of UNS Energy Corporation. Prior to his current role, he was appointed Executive Vice President, Western Utility Operations, with Fortis in January 2018.

Mr. Hutchens earned a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Arizona and is a former nuclear submarine officer in the U.S. Navy.

He serves on the Boards of UNS Energy, FortisBC and FortisAlberta, all Fortis utilities. He is a member of the Edison Electric Institute's Board of Directors, the Western Energy Institute Board of Directors and a number of other charity and civic organizations.