NRG Energy, Inc., the Fortune 500 energy powerhouse with deep roots in the Garden State, has officially unveiled its long-term leadership succession plan. The company’s Board of Directors has appointed Robert Gaudette as president effective immediately, with a mandate to become chief executive officer on April 30.
The transition marks a pivotal moment for the Princeton-headquartered company as it navigates a rapidly shifting energy landscape defined by rising data center demand and a transition toward smarter, more sustainable power solutions.
Gaudette is a seasoned insider who has spent a quarter-century rising through the ranks of NRG and its predecessor companies. In his current role as executive vice president of NRG Business and Wholesale Operations, he has overseen one of North America’s largest B2B retail gas and power platforms.
Gaudette’s Background includes:
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Military Service: Served four years as a U.S. Army officer, including a deployment to Bosnia.
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Education: Holds a B.S. in Chemistry from the College of William and Mary and an MBA from Rice University.
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Expertise: Deep experience in trading, asset management, and regulatory affairs—skills critical for managing New Jersey’s complex power grid.
“Rob has played a central role in strengthening NRG’s position through strategic growth and customer-focused innovation,” outgoing CEO Lawrence Coben said. “He is a strong, decisive leader with extensive knowledge of our business, markets, and customers.”
While NRG is headquartered in Houston, its Princeton campus at Carnegie Center serves as a vital operational hub. The facility is a LEED Platinum-certified landmark, reflecting the company’s focus on sustainable infrastructure.
Under Gaudette’s future leadership, New Jersey operations are expected to focus on:
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Smart Home Integration: Expanding the company’s smart home security and automation portfolio.
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Grid Resilience: Managing the “demand supercycle” driven by a surge in PJM (regional grid) data centers.
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Sustainable Generation: Advancing the company’s goal to reduce its environmental footprint while maintaining a reliable power supply for Jersey businesses.
The succession is designed to be seamless. Coben will continue to serve as Chair and CEO until the 2026 Annual Meeting, after which he will remain as an advisor through the end of that year. Additionally, Antonio Carrillo, NRG’s Lead Independent Director, will succeed Coben as Chair of the Board in April 2026.
| Leader | Current Role | New Role (Eff. April 30, 2026) |
| Robert Gaudette | President | Chief Executive Officer |
| Lawrence Coben | CEO and Chair | Advisor |
| Antonio Carrillo | Lead Independent Director | Chair of the Board |
The announcement comes as NRG initiates its 2026 standalone financial guidance, targeting higher core profits fueled by strong power demand across its Northeast and Texas markets.
