New Hire/Promotion

Renna Retiring from SJI, Jenkins Named President & CEO

South Jersey Industries (SJI) has announced that Michael J. Renna will retire as president and chief executive officer, effective August 3, 2026. He will be succeeded by Donald “Blue” Jenkins who will become SJI’s president and CEO at that time. Jenkins has 30 years of experience as a senior leader of companies across the energy value chain, from regulated utilities to midstream operations. He joins SJI from AltaGas Ltd., where he was executive vice president of AltaGas and president, Utilities of the Company and president of AtlaGas’s natural gas subsidiary, Washington Gas.

“It has been the highlight of my career to be CEO of SJI and work alongside our talented employees to fortify SJI’s record of safe, reliable, and affordable energy and build a cleaner future for New Jersey,” said Renna, who is also trustee of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA). “With my retirement, I am handing the reins over to someone I immensely respect. Blue is a champion of energy innovation to drive efficiency, reliability, and sustainable energy. Importantly, he also shares our belief that employees are a company’s greatest strength. I look forward to supporting a smooth transition when Blue becomes CEO.”

Ed Holland, Board Chair of SJI, commented “Over the past nearly three decades with SJI, including the past 12 as CEO, Mike’s career has been defined by visionary leadership, strategic growth, and an unwavering commitment to our employees, customers, and the communities we serve. Under his guidance, SJI has grown to become one of the nation’s premiere energy infrastructure companies, which includes award-winning safety performance and the development of one of the country’s largest renewable natural gas platforms. He leaves behind a legacy built on integrity, collaboration, and servant leadership.”

Renna joined SJI in 1998 and through his hard work and commitment to success, he advanced through a number of managerial and professional positions. Prior to his leadership role at SJI, he held the titles of president of South Jersey Energy Solutions and South Jersey Energy, the region’s largest energy marketer. He was appointed to the South Jersey Energy Solutions executive committee in November 2012 and to the SJI Board of Directors in 2014.

Commenting on Jenkins, Holland said,  “Blue is an accomplished executive who has engaged with stakeholders across our industry to provide energy for homes and businesses that is safe, reliable, affordable, and cleaner,” said Ed Holland, Board Chair, SJI. “In his most recent roles at AltaGas and Washington Gas, Blue steered numerous infrastructure modernization initiatives to advance safety and reliability across the company’s natural gas system. Under his stewardship, Washington Gas, like SJI, has also embraced new technology and emerging fuels, such as renewable natural gas, that reduce carbon emissions and align with affordability objectives.  His passion for inspiring high performing teams and helping communities thrive is evident throughout his career, and we are delighted to welcome him to SJI.”

“I am honored to be named SJI’s next president and CEO,” said Jenkins. “SJI has a clear mission, a talented team, and enviable record as a trusted employer and energy provider to the customers and communities SJI serves. I am excited to build on this foundation and lead SJI’s next chapter of growth and success as we work together with stakeholders to ensure we meet New Jersey’s evolving energy needs, safely, reliably, and affordably.”

Prior to AltaGas and Washington Gas, Mr. Jenkins served as chief commercial officer at EQT Corporation, a premier U.S. integrated gas company. In this role, he oversaw all aspects of commercial operations, including financial planning and strategic decision-making, commodity sales, operations, logistics, contracting, risk management IT, and business development.

Prior to EQT, Jenkins held multiple executive roles at BP p.l.c., including senior vice president, North America Gas and Power, and was a key member of BP’s U.S. leadership team.

Jenkins holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Brigham Young University.

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