The head of NextEra Energy’s renewable energy arm, Rebecca Kujawa, plans to retire in May as part of a planned leadership succession process, the company announced March 17.

She will be succeeded by Brian Bolster, who currently serves as executive vice president and CFO of NextEra Energy.

Kujawa was appointed CEO of NextEra Energy Resources in 2022 following time served as NextEra Energy’s executive vice president, finance and CFO from March 2019 to March 2022. She joined the company in 2007, when she worked in power marketing before moving on to roles that included director of investor relations for NextEra Energy and as vice president of business management for the Midwest and international regions for NextEra Energy Resources.

“During her tenure, Rebecca has brought a strong strategic perspective and leadership approach, helping to guide our company through periods of remarkable growth and change,” said NextEra Energy CEO John Ketchum. “Her deep industry knowledge, commitment to excellence and ability to navigate complex challenges have contributed meaningfully to NextEra Energy’s success. She has been a champion for innovation and operational improvement, strengthening the company's foundation for the future.”

Kujawa plans to retire May 22, NextEra said in a news release.

The news was not unexpected as Ketchum said Kujawa had shared her preferred retirement window with him three years ago when he became CEO.

Mike Dunne, who serves as treasurer of NextEra Energy, will succeed Bolster as executive vice president, finance and CFO at NextEra Energy.

In a note March 17, Jefferies analysts said the “executive swap” puts focus on a post-Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) outlook.

“This is unfortunate timing given corresponding focus on NEE prospects ahead of IRA reform under a reconciliation bill [and] substantive ramp in ‘26+ on dev targets,” Jefferies said in the note. But analysts, who noted Kujawa’s decision to retire at age 49, also added the “next crop of talent is well worth watching.”

Kujawa said she believes “NextEra Energy Resources is better positioned than ever to capitalize on the growing demand for power with a very deep capability set and bench.”

“I strongly believe that NextEra Energy Resources is better positioned than ever to capitalize on the growing demand for power with a very deep capability set and bench, and I have tremendous confidence that Brian is the ideal successor to lead NextEra Energy Resources going forward and that the business will thrive under his leadership,” Kujawa said in the news release. “I’m also thrilled to see Mike [Dunne] rise to CFO. He is a very experienced leader with strong financial acumen, discipline and significant knowledge of the sector who I firmly believe will be a critical contributor to NextEra Energy’s future success.”

With Kujawa at the helm, NextEra Energy Resources saw a record year of new renewables and storage origination in 2024. It added more than 12 gigawatts (GW) to the company’s backlog in 2024, up 30% from 2023. Energy Resources also commissioned more than 2.2 GW of new solar in 2024. Its renewables backlog now stands at more than 25 GW.

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