New Jersey Resources appoints Westhoven as President and CEO

New Jersey Resources announced Steve Westhoven has been appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer of NJR and its principal subsidiaries, including New Jersey Natural Gas, effective Oct. 1.

Laurence M. Downes who is set to retire as CEO on Sept. 30, will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board until the company’s Annual Shareowners Meeting in January 2020.

“I appreciate the confidence the board has placed in me as the next President and CEO of New Jersey Resources,” said Westhoven. “Larry Downes has set a high bar building a strong organization and culture. I appreciate all that he has done for me personally, and all that he has done for our company over the past three decades. On behalf of our employees, I wish Larry all the best.”

The New Jersey Resources board of directors also elected James DeGraffenreidt to serve on the board at its September meeting.

DeGraffenreidt is the former Chairman and CEO of Washington Gas Light Holdings, Inc. and Washington Gas Light Company, a natural gas utility serving customers in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. He began his career as an attorney working on energy regulatory issues at the state and federal level. He joined Washington Gas in 1986 holding roles of increasing responsibility, including serving as President and COO for four years before his 11-year tenure as CEO.