DTE Energy, a prominent utility company based in Detroit, has recently announced the appointment of Joi Harris as its new President and CEO. Set to step into the role on September 8, 2025, Harris will make history as the company's first female CEO as well as its first African American chief executive. This groundbreaking announcement, as reported by CBS News Detroit, marks a significant milestone for the traditionally male-dominated energy sector.
With an extensive tenure at DTE that began right out of high school as an engineering co-op, Harris has worked her way through the ranks and has most recently served as the company's President and Chief Operating Officer. Under her leadership, DTE has seen considerable advancements, including a $1 billion project in St. Clair County and a noted 70% improvement in electric reliability year-over-year in 2024, according to details shared by The Detroit News. Harris's promotion is described as the culmination of a multi-year succession plan.
In a press release obtained by PR Newswire, Harris expressed, "I am honored to take on this role at such a pivotal moment for our company and industry. We are in a time of transformation, and I'm committed to executing our strategy with urgency – modernizing infrastructure, delivering for our customers, and building the energy systems that will power future generations." Harris's track record at DTE includes various roles in distribution field operations, system control, and transmission operations, highlighting her comprehensive understanding of the company's operations.
Harris will be succeeding Jerry Norcia, who will transition to the role of Executive Board Chairman while serving as an advisor to Harris. Having joined DTE in 2002 and climbing up to CEO in 2019, Norcia's tenure is marked by significant initiatives, including the expansion of support for low-income customers and the foundation of the Michigan Energy Assistance Program, which was recently codified into law. "Joi Harris is a respected, strategic thinker known for driving results with focus and precision," Norcia told The Detroit News, commending Harris's appointment.
The selection of Harris adds her to the board of directors at DTE, reinforcing the company's commitment to diversity and leadership excellence. Harris holds a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering and a master's degree in business administration from Wayne State University. Beyond her roles at DTE, Harris contributes to the community as vice president of the board of directors for the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP) and serves on several other boards, bringing with her a wealth of experience and accolades, including a Woman of the Year honor from Michigan Chronicle's Women of Excellence program.
