Sempra Names Sedgwick SoCalGas CEO, Bird CFO in 2026 Deal Prep

Sempra named Karen Sedgwick as chief executive of Southern California Gas Co. and Justin Bird as its new CFO, the utility said. The moves lock in a succession plan tied to the closing of a major infrastructure project expected in 2026.

Sedgwick had been Sempra's CFO since 2021. She will run SoCalGas, the largest gas distribution utility in the United States by customer count. Bird, who previously led corporate finance at Sempra, takes over as CFO. Both appointments are effective immediately, the company said.

The infrastructure deal – likely a liquefied natural gas export terminal or a pipeline expansion – requires regulatory approvals and significant capital. Sempra is spending billions on LNG and renewable natural gas projects, with the biggest outlays expected in 2026. The leadership changes signal management continuity during a period of heavy investment.

Sempra carries an SRE stock page Alpha Score of 47 out of 100, reflecting mixed signals on valuation and regulatory positioning relative to utility peers. The stock trades near 52-week highs. The utility sector faces pressure from rising interest rates and state-level regulatory scrutiny, particularly in California where Sempra operates.

The succession plan aligns the executive team with the company's long-term growth strategy. Sedgwick will report to CEO Jeffrey Martin. Bird will report to the board. The next major catalyst for Sempra is the final investment decision on the infrastructure deal, expected in 2026.