Gale E. Klappa, born in 1948, has been a key figure at WEC Energy Group, starting as CEO in 2004 and later becoming the Executive Chairman until his retirement in 2016. During his leadership, he transformed the company with a...

Gale E. Klappa, born in 1948, has been a key figure at WEC Energy Group, starting as CEO in 2004 and later becoming the Executive Chairman until his retirement in 2016. During his leadership, he transformed the company with a focus on performance, achieving significant financial goals. For instance, in 2014, he earned a total compensation of over $12 million, largely driven by performance-based incentives. In 2024, he transitioned to Non-Executive Chairman, receiving a compensation package that included annual retainers and stock awards. Klappa has a noteworthy history of managing substantial share holdings; at one point, his insider trading activities showed his holdings valued over $30 million. His keen sense of corporate performance metrics, like earnings per share and cash flow, shaped the company's strategy, aligning it closely with shareholder interests. After decades of dedicated service, Klappa remains closely tied to WEC through a blend of strategic oversight and advisory roles, showcasing his lasting impact on the energy sector.