The basics:

• SJI CEO Michael Renna will retire, effective Aug. 3
• Energy executive Blue Jenkins will become next CEO at SJI
• Renna led SJI through growth in renewable natural gas and infrastructure
• Jenkins joins SJI after leadership roles at AltaGas, Washington Gas

South Jersey Industries President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Renna will retire, effective Aug. 3, after nearly three decades with the Folsom-based energy infrastructure company.

Renna joined SJI in 1998 and has served as president and CEO since 2015. According to the July 8 announcement, longtime energy executive Donald “Blue” Jenkins will succeed him in the leadership posts.

Renna steadily rose through the company’s ranks, serving as president of South Jersey Energy and South Jersey Energy Solutions before assuming the titles of president and chief operating officer in 2014. During his tenure, SJI:

• Grew into one of the nation’s premier energy infrastructure companies
• Developed one of the country’s largest renewable natural gas platforms, including a major food waste-to-renewable natural gas facility in Linden slated to begin operations later this year
• Expanded investments in cleaner energy and infrastructure modernization

A ‘visionary’ leader

“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,” SJI Board Chair Ed Holland said. “Under his guidance, SJI has grown to become one of the nation’s premier energy infrastructure companies, which includes award-winning safety performance and the development of one of the country’s largest renewable natural gas platforms.

It has been the highlight of my career to be CEO of SJI and work alongside our talented employees …
—Michael Renna, president and CEO, SJI

“He leaves behind a legacy built on integrity, collaboration, and servant leadership.”

“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,” Renna said. “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.”

The incoming CEO

Jenkins joins SJI from AltaGas Ltd. He most recently served as executive vice president of AltaGas, president of its utilities business and president of Washington Gas.

The incoming executive brings approximately 30 years of executive leadership experience spanning regulated utilities, midstream operations and the broader energy sector.

At AltaGas and Washington Gas, Jenkins oversaw the development and execution of the company’s strategic plan while leading infrastructure modernization and operational excellence initiatives across its U.S. utilities. Before joining AltaGas, he served as chief commercial officer at EQT Corp., overseeing commercial operations, financial planning, logistics, contracting, risk management, information technology and business development.

Earlier in his career, he held multiple executive leadership positions at BP, including senior vice president of North America Gas and Power.

“I am honored to be named SJI’s next President and CEO,” Jenkins said. “SJI has a clear mission, a talented team, and an 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.”

Welcome to the team

“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,” Holland said. “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.”