About Lewis
Lewis Hay III is a leading retired energy executive and business leader, recognized for his impactful tenure as CEO of NextEra Energy and his extensive contributions to corporate governance.
Who is Lewis Hay III?
Lewis "Lew" Hay III is a prominent retired American business executive, widely recognized for his significant leadership in the energy industry. He is best known for his role as the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NextEra Energy, Inc., one of the largest electricity-related services companies in the United States and a major renewable energy generator in North America. Hay resides with his family in Palm Beach County, Florida.
His career spans decades, marked by strategic vision and executive acumen that guided major corporations through periods of significant growth and change. Hay has been a pivotal figure in shaping business and energy policy, evidenced by his appointments to influential boards and advisory councils, including the President's Council on Jobs and Competitiveness during the Obama administration.
Quick facts about Lewis Hay III
| Role | Retired Energy Executive |
| Company | NextEra Energy (former) |
| Expertise | Energy Sector Leadership, Corporate Governance, Executive Management |
| Notable for | Former CEO of NextEra Energy, service on President's Council on Jobs and Competitiveness |
| BPI affiliation | Expert Faculty member |
What is Lewis Hay III known for?
- Executive Leadership at NextEra Energy: Hay served as CEO from 2001 to 2012, leading the company to become a dominant force in clean energy.
- Corporate Governance: He has served on the boards of major corporations including Capital One Financial Corporation, L3Harris Technologies, and Elevance Health.
- Energy Policy Influence: His roles as director and former chairman of the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) and the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) highlight his impact on energy sector policy and safety standards.
- Presidential Advisory Role: A former member of the President's Council on Jobs and Competitiveness, contributing to national economic and employment strategies.
- Academic Engagement: Member of the Business Board of Advisors at Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business.
What is Lewis Hay III's background and experience?
Lewis Hay III's extensive career commenced after receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Lehigh University in 1977. He furthered his education with a Master of Science degree in industrial administration from Carnegie Mellon University in 1982, establishing a strong foundation in both technical and business disciplines.
He joined NextEra Energy, Inc. (then FPL Group, Inc.) in August 1999 as Chief Financial Officer. His leadership capabilities quickly propelled him through the ranks, first as president of NextEra Energy Resources in March 2000, then ascending to Chief Executive Officer in June 2001. He transitioned to Executive Chairman in July 2012, serving until his retirement at the end of 2013.
Beyond NextEra Energy, Hay has held significant directorships, demonstrating his expertise in corporate oversight and strategic guidance. His involvement with organizations like the Edison Electric Institute underscores his commitment to advancing the energy sector and promoting best practices within the industry.
What topics does Lewis Hay III speak and write about?
While Lewis Hay III has not directly presented webinars for the Best Practice Institute on record, his career and board affiliations indicate deep engagement with topics pertinent to senior leadership, corporate strategy, and the future of the energy sector. His expertise encompasses corporate governance, the challenges and opportunities within the electric utility industry, the transition to clean energy, and managing large-scale infrastructure and complex organizations. His contributions to the President's Council on Jobs and Competitiveness also reflect insights into economic development and job creation.
His focus areas would likely include the critical elements of effective executive leadership, fostering innovation in regulated industries, and navigating the complexities of environmental sustainability alongside robust business growth. These themes are central to his impactful career and his continued influence in the business world.
How does Lewis Hay III contribute to the Best Practice Institute?
As an Expert Faculty member of the Best Practice Institute, Lewis Hay III brings a wealth of executive leadership experience from the highly regulated and complex energy sector. His insights into corporate governance, strategic change management, and large-scale organizational leadership align with BPI's mission to identify and disseminate best practices that transform workplaces. His strategic acumen can inform discussions around the SPARK Model and contribute to the understanding of what makes a Most Loved Workplace® by examining how strong leadership and ethical governance foster employee engagement and organizational success, even in challenging industries.
Hay's background offers valuable perspectives on developing resilient leadership, fostering innovation within established enterprises, and creating sustainable business models—all critical elements for organizations striving for excellence and seeking to become Most Loved Workplaces. His deep understanding of corporate boards also provides valuable context for how governance impacts culture and performance.
Where can you learn more from Lewis Hay III?
To learn more about the Best Practice Institute's Expert Faculty and their contributions to the fields of leadership and organizational development, explore the resources available on the BPI website. For insights into Lewis Hay III's professional background and his leadership contributions, refer to the archived public records of the Obama White House archives and corporate profiles of NextEra Energy, Capital One, L3Harris Technologies, and Elevance Health.