John G. Russell is the former CEO of CMS Energy, serving from 2010 until his retirement in 2016. Under his leadership, the company focused on aligning executive compensation with shareholder value, achieving impressive bonus payouts based on performance metrics like...

John G. Russell is the former CEO of CMS Energy, serving from 2010 until his retirement in 2016. Under his leadership, the company focused on aligning executive compensation with shareholder value, achieving impressive bonus payouts based on performance metrics like earnings per share and operating cash flow. He saw total compensation peak at over $10 million in 2015, largely due to successful management and strategic decisions. As part of his responsibilities, Russell was pivotal in guiding CMS through significant financial metrics, with strong returns on investments. His insider trading activities showed fluctuations in share values ranging from $12 million to over $27 million between 2019 and 2024, indicating active engagement in the company's stock performance. Following his departure, Julie Lowry took over as CEO, and Russell transitioned to a role as chairman of the board, indicating his ongoing influence in the company’s direction. Russell’s approach to executive performance and compensation reflects a practical strategy for aligning interests with shareholders, making him an impactful figure in the energy sector.