Geisha Williams

Geisha Jimenez Williams is an energy executive recognized as the first Latina CEO of a Fortune 500 company and the first female CEO in PG&E's history. Williams led one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States, overseeing $17 billion in revenues and 23,000 employees serving customers across 70,000 square miles in California. Her journey from Cuban political refugee to leading a major utility company highlights her experience in the energy sector and her role in advancing diversity in corporate leadership.

Williams built her professional foundation through decades of work in the energy industry. She earned a bachelor's degree in engineering from the University of Miami and a master's degree in business administration from Nova Southeastern University. Williams spent 25 years at Florida Power & Light, holding senior roles in operations, marketing, customer service, and strategic planning, ultimately serving as vice president of power systems. She led electric restoration and recovery efforts following seven hurricanes over a 15-month period. Williams later joined PG&E, the largest utility in California, serving as president of the electric unit before becoming CEO.

During her tenure at PG&E, Williams advanced renewables integration, grid modernization, and smart grid technologies, delivering nearly 80 percent greenhouse gas-free electricity to 16 million people in northern and central California. She emphasized safety culture, employee engagement, energy efficiency, digitization, and customer experience, contributing to improved electric reliability and customer satisfaction. Williams has spoken about the importance of mentorship in her career, noting the impact of early guidance on her professional trajectory.

Williams continues to contribute to the energy and business sectors as an independent board member and chair of Osmose Utility Services, a member of the supervisory board of Siemens Energy, an independent director of Artera Services, a member of the Global Advisory Board for Salesforce, and a board member of the Bipartisan Policy Center. She also serves as an independent director for Meritage Homes and Public Service Enterprise Group. Williams is an advocate for diversity, inclusion, and the clean energy transition, drawing on her operational expertise and leadership experience in the utility industry.