John Larsen, current executive chairman and chairman of the board of Alliant Energy, announced this week he intends to retire from his executive position with the company on or before January 1.
“John’s many accomplishments include leading the company through its expansive renewable investment in wind and solar and more recently, establishing the company’s purpose – serving customers and building stronger communities – which remains foundational to the company strategy,” said Carol Sanders, lead independent director of the board. “We are pleased he is remaining in his capacity as Board Chairman of Alliant Energy, where we will continue to benefit from his wisdom and experience.”
Ms. Sanders will remain in her role as lead independent director, according to a release.
Mr. Larsen joined Alliant Energy in 1988 as an electrical engineer following his graduation from the University of North Dakota. Throughout his tenure, he held pivotal leadership positions across the company’s engineering, energy delivery, and generation operations sectors.
In 2004, he ascended to the role of vice president. By 2010, Mr. Larsen was appointed senior vice president – generation, and concurrently assumed the presidency of Wisconsin Power and Light Company.
In 2015, he stepped into a new expansive role: leading the company’s efforts related to technology, development, generation construction, economic development, customer service and account management.
Mr. Larsen’s leadership earned him the title of president of Alliant Energy in 2018. In this role, he took on critical responsibilities, including overseeing the technology and strategic planning functions, to enable the company to swiftly capitalize on opportunities and enhance customer value. Later that year, Mr. Larsen was promoted to president and chief operating officer.
By 2019, he had ascended to the position of CEO. As CEO, Mr. Larsen spearheaded the development of a strategy focused on better understanding and addressing customers’ unmet needs. This initiative culminated in the creation of Alliant Energy’s Clean Energy Blueprint, a strategic plan guiding the company’s ongoing investment in a cleaner, more diverse energy portfolio designed to deliver long-term value to customers and communities.
“As I reflect back on my first day with Alliant Energy in 1988, I am not sure I could have imagined the changes that the utility industry would experience over the following decades,” Mr. Larsen said. “Shifting market dynamics, changing customer expectations and emerging technologies all have shaped how we generate and deliver the energy our customers and communities count on. But the one thing that has been consistent is the ongoing commitment of our employees. I want to thank my colleagues for their collaboration and customer focus, which have strengthened the communities we proudly serve. I look forward to this next chapter and serving the company in my continued role as board chairman.”
