Women Business Leaders

Geisha Williams

By A Staff Writer | Updated 14 Sep, 2024

Name: Geisha J. Williams

Position: Former CEO and President of PG&E Corporation

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from the University of Miami.
  • Master of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University.

Career Highlights:

  • Trailblazing Leadership at PG&E: Served as CEO and President of PG&E Corporation from 2017 to 2019, becoming the first Latina CEO of a Fortune 500 company.
  • Focus on Energy Infrastructure and Safety: Known for her focus on modernizing energy infrastructure and improving safety standards at PG&E.
  • Advancing Clean Energy Initiatives: Instrumental in advancing PG&E’s clean energy initiatives and commitment to renewable energy.

Leadership Style and Philosophy:

  • Commitment to Safety and Reliability: Emphasizes the importance of safety, reliability, and customer service in the energy sector.
  • Advocacy for Sustainable Energy: Advocates for the transition to sustainable energy sources and reducing carbon emissions.

Key Achievements:

  • Enhancing PG&E’s Infrastructure: Focused on enhancing PG&E’s infrastructure to meet future energy needs and safety standards.
  • Driving Clean Energy Transformation: Led significant efforts in transitioning PG&E towards cleaner energy sources and reducing its carbon footprint.
  • Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: Advocated for diversity and inclusion within PG&E and the broader energy industry.

Challenges:

  • Navigating Industry and Regulatory Challenges: Managed the complexities of the utility industry, including regulatory challenges and environmental concerns.
  • Addressing Infrastructure and Safety Issues: Focused on addressing challenges related to aging infrastructure and enhancing safety measures.

Legacy and Impact:

  • Pioneering Leader in the Utility Sector: Geisha Williams’ leadership at PG&E Corporation is marked by her groundbreaking role as a Latina CEO and her contributions to advancing the utility sector towards sustainable practices.
  • Role Model for Diversity in Leadership: Recognized as a role model for promoting diversity in corporate leadership, especially in the traditionally male-dominated energy sector.

Philanthropy and Social Involvement:

  • Advocacy for Clean Energy and Community Engagement: Actively involved in initiatives promoting clean energy, community engagement, and leadership development.

Awards and Recognitions:

  • Featured in various publications for her leadership in the energy industry.
  • Honored with awards for her contributions to the utility sector and her advocacy for diversity and inclusion.

Personal Interests:

  • Passion for Sustainable Energy and Leadership Development: Deeply committed to promoting sustainable energy solutions and nurturing the next generation of diverse leaders.

As the former CEO and President of PG&E Corporation, Geisha Williams’ tenure represents a commitment to modernizing utility infrastructure, advocating for sustainable energy, and fostering a culture of safety and reliability. Her leadership in the utility sector not only set a precedent for diversity and inclusion but also marked her as a significant figure in the energy industry.