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M. Susan Hardwick

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at American Water Works Company
Board
Since August 1, 2024
Age
62 years
Education
Earned a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Indiana University.
Tenure
Joined AWK in June 2019 as the Executive Vice President–Finance, later serving as CFO and Interim CEO before becoming CEO on August 1, 2024.

Also at American Water Works Company

CN
Cheryl Norton
Executive Vice President and COO
DB
David Bowler
Executive Vice President and CFO
JCG
John C. Griffith
Executive Vice President and CFO

About

M. Susan Hardwick is a seasoned executive currently aged 62 who has built a formidable reputation in the utility sector through decades of leadership and financial expertise. With a strong foundation in accounting, she earned her degree in Accounting from Indiana University and is a Certified Public Accountant, equipping her with rigorous financial and operational acumen.

Embarking on her career at Arthur Andersen & Co. and later at Cinergy Corp., she advanced to significant roles such as Vice President, Controller, and eventually Senior Executive roles at Vectren Corporation. Her tenure there spanned various high-caliber positions, highlighting her progressive climb through the ranks before the company was sold to CenterPoint Energy, Inc..

At AWK, she joined in 06-2019 as the Executive Vice President–Finance. Her impressive performance led her to hold key positions including CFO, Interim CEO, and later as both President and CEO starting February 2, 2022, with her current role as CEO commencing on 08-01-2024. This progression underscores a robust track record of leadership and adaptability in steering the company through dynamic market conditions.

Beyond her operational roles, she contributes significantly to the governance of the industry by serving on multiple boards, including that of New Jersey Resources Corporation. This blend of personal achievement and collective governance highlights a commitment to both individual excellence and broader industry stewardship.

$AWK Performance Under M. Susan Hardwick

Past Roles

OrganizationRoleDate RangeDetails
American Water Works Company, Inc. Chief Financial Officer July 1, 2019 - May 16, 2022 Held before becoming CEO
American Water Works Company, Inc. Interim Chief Executive Officer December 7, 2021 - January 31, 2022 Held before becoming CEO
American Water Works Company, Inc. Vice President—Finance June 2019 - (transition not specified) Held before becoming CEO
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. Director of Finance and Accounting Integration February 2019 - April 2020 N/A
Vectren Corporation Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer January 2000 - February 2019 Various senior executive positions
Vectren Corporation Senior Vice President, Finance January 2000 - February 2019 Various senior executive positions
Vectren Corporation Vice President, Controller and Assistant Treasurer January 2000 - February 2019 Various senior executive positions
Cinergy Corp. Assistant Corporate Comptroller N/A N/A
Arthur Andersen & Co. Senior Manager N/A N/A

External Roles

OrganizationRoleDate RangeDetails
New Jersey Resources Corporation Board of Directors Since September 2020 Diversified energy services company

Fixed Compensation

Data from  FY 2024
Component NameAmountPayment ScheduleAdditional Details
Base SalaryNo change to current annual salary; exact amount not disclosed Annual Rate remains unchanged for 2024
BenefitsUnchanged N/A Benefits and vacation accrual remain as previously elected; no IRS Qualified Life Event
Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation PlanN/A (no fixed amount) Employer contributions made after the end of the plan year Employer Matching contributions are immediately vested; Defined Contribution Account contributions vest after 5 years

Performance Compensation

Data from  FY 2024

No information available on performance compensation for 2024