Geisha Williams
Geisha Williams | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1961 or 1962 (age 63–64) |
| Education | University of Miami (BA) Nova Southeastern University (MBA) |
| Title | Former CEO, Pacific Gas and Electric Company |
| Term | March 2017 - January 2019 |
| Spouse | Jay Williams |
| Children | 2 daughters |
Geisha J. Williams (born Jimenez, c. 1961/1962)[1] is a Cuban American businesswoman. She was the president and CEO of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) from March 2017 to January 13, 2019.[1][2]
Early life
Williams was born Geisha J. Jimenez in Cuba.[3][4] Her parents named her Geisha from the title of a John Wayne movie, The Barbarian and the Geisha.[4] At the age of five, Geisha migrated to the US with her parents, after her father, a political prisoner in Cuba, was released from prison.[4] Her father worked various jobs to provide for his family and went on to own their own grocery store.[4]
She has a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from the University of Miami and an MBA from Nova Southeastern University.[1]
Career
While at the University of Miami, Williams interned for Florida Power & Light (FPL). She returned to the company after earning her degree, starting as a residential energy auditor.[5][3] In 2005, she was the company's vice president for distribution and was in charge of the restoration effort after Hurricane Wilma.[6]
Williams joined Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) in 2007.[1] In 2010, she was Vice President for Energy Delivery, and in 2011, she was put in charge of electric operations.[7][8]
In March 2017, Williams became the first Latina chief executive officer of a Fortune 500 company.[9]
She has been a director at the Edison Electric Institute, the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations, and the Association of Edison Illuminating Companies, the board chairwoman for the Center for Energy Workforce Development, and a trustee of the California Academy of Sciences.[10] She is on the Board of Directors for the Bipartisan Policy Center.[11]
Personal life
Williams is married, and she and her husband have two daughters.[3][4]
References
- ^ a b c d "Geisha J. Williams: Executive Profile & Biography". Bloomberg. Retrieved May 5, 2017.
- ^ Morris, J.D. (January 14, 2019). "PG&E CEO Geisha Williams out amid utility's widening financial crisis - SFChronicle.com". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved January 14, 2019.
- ^ a b c Markelz, Michelle (June 16, 2013). "Geisha Williams: Providing Power to the People – Hispanic Executive". Hispanicexecutive.com. Retrieved May 5, 2017.
- ^ a b c d e "PG&E's Bolt of Energy". fortune.com. Retrieved February 28, 2018.
- ^ Calvey, Mark (November 14, 2016). "PG&E names Geisha Williams as CEO and president". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
- ^ Mayk, Lauren; Zollo, Cathy (October 28, 2005). "Wilma's destruction baffles FPL officials". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
- ^ "San Bruno Explosion Aftermath". www.cbsnews.com. September 13, 2010. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
- ^ Baker, David (April 6, 2011). "2 top execs will resign as PG&E reorganizes". Retrieved June 10, 2024.
- ^ Draznin, Haley. "A former refugee, she's now the first Latina CEO of a major US company". CNNMoney. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ^ "Geisha Williams - keynote speaker". Global Speakers Bureau. Retrieved June 6, 2025.
- ^ "Geisha Williams | American Energy Innovation Council". americanenergyinnovation.org. Archived from the original on February 18, 2025. Retrieved June 6, 2025.