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Evergy names new CEO

By Madison Parry

A new CEO, president and director for Kansas City-based Evergy arrives from Texas. David Campbell will succeed current CEO Terry Bassham beginning Jan. 4, 2021, bringing experience from Dallas energy company Vistra Energy Corp. where Campbell previously served as CFO.

Kansas City-based Evergy Inc. has announced David Campbell as the company’s new CEO, president and director.

Photo of David Campbell / Image courtesy of Evergy, Inc.

Campbell will replace current CEO Terry Bassham in January 2021, who announced plans to retire in August 2020.

The board voted unanimously to bring on Campbell, who will assume his new roles begging Jan. 4, 2021.

Campbell arrives from Texas, bringing with him experience in the energy and utility industries, previously serving as CFO of Dallas-based Vistra Energy Corp.

As CFO of Vistra Energy, Campbell had operating revenue of $11.8 billion last year. Its holdings and services in natural gas, nuclear, solar and battery energy storage facilities provide energy for 20 states nationwide including the District of Columbia. Campbell has been CFO at Vistra since May 2019.

“His deep understanding of our industry and his ability to work with and balance the interests of all stakeholders makes him our first and best choice to lead Evergy at this pivotal time,” Evergy Chairman Mark Ruelle said.

A nationwide search for Bassham’s successor began in August with the screening of more than 100 executives said Evergy’s Chief Customer Officer, Chuck Caisley. The list was narrowed down to a dozen individuals who met the criteria and were interested in the job, he said. The board then interviewed three outside and one inside candidate before deciding on Campbell.