Women Business Leaders

Patti Poppe

By A Staff Writer | Updated 14 Sep, 2024

Name: Patricia K. Poppe

Position: Former President and CEO of CMS Energy and Consumers Energy

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University.
  • Master’s degrees in Management and Engineering from Stanford University.

Career Highlights:

  • Leadership at CMS Energy: Served as the President and CEO of CMS Energy and its principal subsidiary, Consumers Energy, from 2016 to 2020.
  • Focus on Clean Energy and Transformation: Known for her leadership focusing on the transformation to clean energy and improving utility services for customers.
  • Advancing Sustainable Energy Practices: Instrumental in advancing sustainable energy practices and reducing carbon footprint at CMS Energy.

Leadership Style and Philosophy:

  • Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation: Emphasizes sustainable energy solutions and the integration of innovative technologies in the utility sector.
  • Customer-Centric Approach: Advocates for a customer-centric approach in utility services, ensuring reliability and responsiveness.

Key Achievements:

  • Driving Clean Energy Initiatives: Led significant initiatives in transitioning CMS Energy towards cleaner energy sources, including investments in renewable energy.
  • Enhancing Customer Service and Engagement: Focused on enhancing customer service and engagement, improving overall customer satisfaction.
  • Promoting Environmental Stewardship: Advanced CMS Energy’s commitment to environmental stewardship and reducing its environmental impact.

Challenges:

  • Navigating Energy Industry Transition: Managed the complexities of transitioning a traditional utility company to more sustainable and renewable energy sources.
  • Balancing Stakeholder Interests: Navigated the challenges of balancing the interests of stakeholders, including customers, investors, and regulatory bodies.

Legacy and Impact:

  • Leader in Energy Transformation: Patti Poppe’s leadership at CMS Energy is marked by her commitment to transforming the energy sector through sustainable practices and customer-focused services.
  • Influential Figure in Utility Industry: Recognized as an influential leader in the utility industry, advocating for sustainable energy and responsible corporate practices.

Philanthropy and Social Involvement:

  • Advocacy for Sustainable Energy and Community Development: Involved in various initiatives promoting sustainable energy, community development, and environmental sustainability.

Awards and Recognitions:

  • Featured in industry publications as a notable leader in the energy sector.
  • Honored with awards for her contributions to the utility industry and sustainable energy practices.

Personal Interests:

  • Passionate about Sustainable Energy and Environmental Advocacy: Deeply committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions and environmental advocacy.

As the former President and CEO of CMS Energy, Patti Poppe’s tenure is characterized by her forward-thinking approach to clean energy transformation and her dedication to providing customer-centric utility services. Her leadership not only propelled CMS Energy towards a sustainable future but also established her as a key figure in the evolving energy industry.