Michael G. Morris served as the CEO of American Electric Power Company (AEP) from 2004 until 2011, after which he became Executive Chairman. He has been with AEP since 1970 and held several key roles, including President before becoming CEO....

Michael G. Morris served as the CEO of American Electric Power Company (AEP) from 2004 until 2011, after which he became Executive Chairman. He has been with AEP since 1970 and held several key roles, including President before becoming CEO. He earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Michigan, giving him a solid foundation in management. Over his time as CEO, Morris's pay was closely linked to how well AEP performed. For example, in 2007, his total compensation peaked at nearly $20 million, thanks to stock and performance bonuses. He often surpassed stock ownership requirements, holding over 450,000 shares by 2010. Morris was known for aligning executive pay with company success, promoting safety, operational excellence, and strategic goals. He helped AEP maintain its position in the industry by ensuring competitive pay to attract top talent. He was involved in a structured succession plan to ensure a smooth leadership transition. Morris negotiated some perks as part of his role, including personal use of corporate jets. AEP’s focus under his leadership was on long-term growth, ensuring that executive interests matched those of the shareholders. In financial terms, his wealth fluctuated significantly based on AEP’s performance, showing a direct connection between leadership decisions and financial results.