Sempra Picks CEO for 2 Utilities

Sempra Energy on Wednesday named Debra L. Reed as chief executive of Southern California Gas Co. and its smaller sister utility, San Diego Gas & Electric Co., marking the first time a woman has run the nation’s largest natural gas utility.

Reed, 50, who retains the title of president, replaces Edwin A. Guiles, 56. Guiles is becoming Sempra executive vice president of corporate development.

The changes were among several announced Wednesday to “further strengthen our management’s experience base and capabilities to grow our companies in the future,” said Donald E. Felsinger, who became San Diego-based Sempra’s chairman and chief executive early this year, replacing retiring Stephen L. Baum.

Reed, who was chief operating officer of the Gas Co. and SDG&E;, joined the Gas Co. in 1978 as an energy systems engineer.

She moved up the ranks at the Gas Co., including such jobs as overseeing energy distribution services, human resources and administration. Reed became SDG&E;’s president in July 2000. Guiles, who joined SDG&E; in 1972, will continue as chairman and a director of the two utilities.

Michael R. Niggli, 56, president of Sempra Generation, will become chief operating officer of SDG&E; and the Gas Co.