James E. Rogers served as the CEO of Duke Energy Corporation until he retired on December 31, 2013. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Florida and an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley....

James E. Rogers served as the CEO of Duke Energy Corporation until he retired on December 31, 2013. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Florida and an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley. During his time leading Duke Energy, Rogers was known for a unique compensation strategy that focused heavily on stock options and performance-based rewards instead of a traditional salary. In 2013, for example, his total earnings were reported at $955,216, influenced mostly by $1.6 million in stock options. This performance-driven pay structure aligned closely with the company's financial success, reflecting significant achievements in operational metrics like earnings per share and cost control. It's worth noting that by the end of his tenure, Rogers had amassed a substantial portfolio, including shares from Duke Energy and Spectra Energy, following a major spin-off event in 2007 that split Duke's gas division into a separate company. His tenure was marked by a focus on long-term shareholder value, ensuring that executives like him were directly linked to the company's performance. Rogers remains a notable figure in the utility sector, with a background rooted in engineering and business management.