MINNEAPOLIS – Bob Frenzel, Xcel Energy’s president and CEO, announced last week that Brett Carter will be named group president of Utilities and chief customer officer and that Jeff Savage will be chief audit and financial services officer, both effective March 1.

“Xcel Energy has an outstanding leadership team that is the result of a long-standing focus on attracting and growing top talent,” Frenzel said. “Our continued focus on building our leadership bench strength allows us to capitalize on our position as a clean energy leader and continue to deliver outstanding value to our customers, communities and stakeholders.”

Carter will have oversight of Xcel Energy’s four operating companies in the eight states it serves and will continue leading the company’s customer strategy.

Savage will oversee risk management and internal audit, in addition to supply chain and commodity risk management. Savage is currently serving as senior vice president, controller, and previously held the position of senior director for financial reporting and corporate and technical accounting.

In addition to these appointments, David Hudson, president of Xcel Energy’s New Mexico and Texas operating company, will retire March 1 after more than 38 years. Hudson has served as operating company president for eight years and has previously held several leadership positions, overseeing community relations, strategic planning and regulatory administration.