Duke Energy Appoints Jeffrey Guldner to Board of Directors, Strengthening Leadership for Future Growth
Duke Energy Corporation announced today that its board of directors has appointed Jeffrey (Jeff) Guldner as a new board member, effective September 15, 2025. Alongside his appointment to the board, Guldner will also serve as a member of two of Duke Energy’s key committees—the Compensation and People Development Committee and the Finance and Risk Management Committee. These assignments reflect his extensive leadership experience, deep industry knowledge, and proven ability to navigate complex challenges in the energy sector.
Leadership Appointment Comes at a Time of Transformation
“As Duke Energy delivers day in and day out for our customers during a time of historic growth in the industry, Jeff’s leadership and energy sector insights bring incredible value to our company as we shape the future of energy,” said Harry Sideris, president and chief executive officer of Duke Energy. “We look forward to working with Jeff as we advance Duke Energy’s strategy and continue to provide exemplary governance for our stakeholders.”
The appointment of Guldner underscores Duke Energy’s focus on maintaining strong governance while steering the company through a rapidly evolving energy landscape. With utilities across the United States accelerating efforts toward clean energy, grid modernization, and reliability in the face of climate change and rising demand, experienced leaders are essential to guiding decision-making at the board level.
Ted Craver, independent chair of Duke Energy’s board of directors, emphasized the strategic importance of Guldner’s addition: “From his distinguished career at Pinnacle West Capital Corporation and its primary subsidiary, Arizona Public Service Company (APS), Jeff has led through pivotal moments of execution and transformation. His prior experience provides a unique lens that will strengthen the board with distinct perspectives and help drive constructive outcomes for Duke Energy, its employees, customers, and shareholders.”
Guldner’s Legacy at Pinnacle West and APS
Jeffrey Guldner retired earlier this year, on March 31, 2025, from his roles as chairman of the board, president, and CEO of Pinnacle West Capital Corporation, as well as its principal subsidiary, Arizona Public Service Company (APS). He held the top leadership position for five years, guiding APS through one of the most dynamic periods in Arizona’s economic and energy history.
During his tenure, Arizona underwent unprecedented population growth and industrial expansion. This rapid development placed new demands on the state’s energy infrastructure. Under Guldner’s leadership, APS successfully managed record energy demand while remaining focused on affordability and reliability for customers. His ability to balance long-term strategic planning with immediate operational challenges positioned APS as a reliable energy partner for both communities and businesses.
Even after stepping down as CEO, Guldner has remained committed to supporting Pinnacle West. He continues to serve the company in a non-executive advisory capacity until March 2026, providing continuity and counsel during the transition of leadership.
A Reputation for Vision and Integrity
Guldner is widely recognized for his thoughtful leadership style, which emphasizes integrity, respect, and customer-centric service. Colleagues and industry stakeholders credit him with creating a workplace culture rooted in accountability and respect for both employees and customers. His decision-making consistently reflected a long-term perspective, particularly as utilities faced evolving expectations around decarbonization, renewable energy integration, and stakeholder engagement.
His leadership also helped strengthen APS’s role in advancing clean energy initiatives in Arizona. From solar and battery storage to modernization projects designed to make the grid more resilient, APS under Guldner’s leadership positioned itself as a forward-looking utility responding to the state’s growth and environmental needs.
Continued Contributions Beyond APS
Beyond his work at APS and Pinnacle West, Guldner is actively engaged in advancing energy innovation and public service through leadership roles on several boards. He currently serves on the board of directors of the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA), a nonprofit dedicated to helping electric companies transition to a clean and modern energy future. His contributions to SEPA highlight his commitment to advancing renewable energy adoption and collaborative industry solutions.
Additionally, he is a board member of the McCain Institute, a nonpartisan policy and leadership organization dedicated to advancing democracy, human rights, and character-driven leadership. This role reflects his broader commitment to service and leadership development beyond the energy sector.
Career Foundations in Law, Military, and Academia
Guldner’s professional journey began outside of the utility sector, providing him with a unique blend of experiences that enrich his perspective as a business leader. Before joining APS, he was a partner at Snell & Wilmer LLP, a prominent law firm based in Phoenix. There, he practiced in the areas of public utility, telecommunications, and energy law, gaining expertise in regulatory frameworks, legal compliance, and the complex intersection between policy and business operations.
Prior to his legal career, Guldner served in the United States Navy as a surface warfare officer, an experience that instilled in him a strong sense of discipline, leadership, and teamwork. He later transitioned to academia as an assistant professor of naval science at the University of Washington, where he contributed to training and educating the next generation of naval officers. These early chapters of his career underscore his long-standing dedication to service and leadership in multiple domains.
Academic Background
Guldner holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Iowa, where he cultivated a foundation in critical thinking and leadership. He went on to earn his law degree from the Arizona State University College of Law, graduating magna cum laude. His academic achievements reflect both intellectual rigor and the determination that have characterized his career trajectory.
Strategic Fit for Duke Energy’s Future
Duke Energy, one of the largest electric power holding companies in the United States, continues to expand its focus on delivering reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy. The company serves more than 8 million customers across six states and has outlined ambitious plans to transition to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 while balancing the needs of customers and communities.
The appointment of Jeffrey Guldner comes at a pivotal time as Duke Energy navigates challenges such as:
- Expanding renewable generation and storage resources.
- Modernizing the grid to improve resilience against extreme weather and cybersecurity risks.
- Supporting electrification and the growing demand from data centers, electric vehicles, and industrial customers.
- Managing affordability and equity as the energy transition unfolds.
By adding Guldner’s proven leadership, Duke Energy’s board gains a director with firsthand experience in addressing similar challenges in a fast-growing region. His combination of operational knowledge, legal expertise, and governance experience makes him well positioned to contribute to the company’s mission.
