John Rowe, who served as Exelon’s previous chairman and CEO and helped turn the Chicago-based business into one of the nation’s largest utility holding corporations, died unexpectedly on September 24 in Naples, Florida. He was 77.
Rowe graduated from the University of Wisconsin with undergraduate studies and law degrees. He was also inducted into the Order of the Coif and the Phi Beta Kappa Society. He also holds the Distinguished Alumni Award from that university.
In addition to the University of Wisconsin, DePaul University, Illinois Institute of Technology, Drexel University, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Bryant College, and Thomas College, Rowe also held honorary doctorates from each of these institutions.
Rowe, his wife, Jeanne, and their lawyer son William lived in Chicago and Naples, Florida.
In the past, Rowe worked as CEO of the Central Maine Power Co. and the New England Electric System, general counsel for Consolidated Rail Corp., and a partner in the legal practice of Isham, Lincoln & Beale. He previously served as Edison Electric Institute’s chairman as well.
The New York Times praised Rowe in a 2012 story for repairing Exelon’s “array of broken-down nuclear-power reactors” and advancing a regulatory reform agenda that improved the firm “at the cost of giving the public less voice in what customers pay.” Furthermore, he orchestrated the $8 billion acquisition of Constellation Energy and pushed laws related to smart grids through the Illinois state senate.
He wasn’t a supporter of alternative energy sources back then. “A dinosaur cannot save itself from extinction by mating with a rodent,” he said in the profile.
At least $21.6 million are thought to be in John W. Rowe’s net worth. Over the past 19 years, Mr. Rowe has sold SXC stock for over $21,196,911 while owning over 15,974 units of SunCoke Inc stock valued at over $93,448. Additionally, he receives $275,000 from SunCoke Inc. as Non-Executive Independent Chairman of the Board.
Amelia Warner
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