Klappa to retire, named Chairman Emeritus

Core Viewpoint - WEC Energy Group announces the retirement of Gale Klappa as chairman and the appointment of Scott Lauber as his successor, highlighting Klappa's significant contributions to the company and the region's economic development [1][7]. Leadership Transition - Gale Klappa, who has been with the company since 2003 and served as chairman and CEO, will retire from the board after the annual meeting in May 2026 [1][2]. - Scott Lauber, currently the president and CEO, is set to take on the additional role of chairman, pending stockholder election [7]. Achievements Under Klappa - Klappa's tenure saw 23 consecutive years of dividend increases, consistent earnings growth, and significant capital investments aimed at enhancing customer reliability [4]. - He played a pivotal role in the acquisition of Integrys Energy Group in 2015, which expanded WEC Energy Group's operations [2]. Community Engagement - Klappa has been a key figure in Milwaukee's business community, co-chairing the Milwaukee 7 initiative, which has attracted billions in capital investment and created thousands of jobs since its inception in 2006 [5]. - He plans to remain involved in economic development initiatives post-retirement [5]. Recognition - The board will honor Klappa with the title of Chairman Emeritus after the annual meeting, marking the first time this title has been awarded in the company's history [6]. Company Overview - WEC Energy Group serves approximately 4.7 million customers across Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota, and is a component of the S&P 500 with over $49 billion in assets [8][10].