Debra L. Reed

Here is a comprehensive profile of Debra L. Reed (born 1957), an American business executive in the energy sector:

Introduction

Debra L. Reed (born 1957) is a prominent American businesswoman and energy executive, best known for her leadership as CEO and Chairman of Sempra Energy. She was the first woman to lead Sempra, a Fortune 500 energy holding company.

Early Life & Education

• Reed was born and raised in Southern California.

• She earned her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (summa cum laude) from the University of Southern California in 1978.

• In 1986, she attained her license as an Engineer in Training in California.

Her strong technical background and engineering credentials provided a foundation for a career rising through energy and utility organizations.

Career Trajectory & Achievements

Early Career

• Reed began her career at SoCalGas (Southern California Gas Company) in 1978 as an engineer.

• Over the years, she held progressively senior roles within SoCalGas, including leadership in policy, administrative services, human resources, and environmental engineering.

• In 1988, she became the first female officer at SoCalGas, marking a historic step in the company’s senior ranks.

Utility Executive Leadership

• She served as President of SDG&E (San Diego Gas & Electric) beginning circa 2000, eventually also becoming President of SoCalGas, integrating oversight of both regulated utilities.

• Between 2002 and 2004, she held dual responsibilities as President and CFO of SDG&E & SoCalGas.

• Later, she became President and CEO of the two utilities from about 2006 to 2010.

CEO & Chairman of Sempra Energy

• Reed ascended to Chief Executive Officer of Sempra Energy in 2011.

• In 2012, she also assumed the role of Chairman of the Board, combining the top leadership roles.

• Reed led Sempra until her retirement in 2018, overseeing a company with tens of billions in assets, multiple regulated utilities, and thousands of employees.

• Under her leadership, Sempra operated with over $10 billion in annual revenues and had responsibility for energy services across the U.S., Mexico, Chile, and Peru.

• Upon her departure, she was succeeded by Jeffrey Martin.

Honors, Board Memberships & Influence

• Reed has been consecutively named to Fortune magazine’s “Most Powerful Women in Business” list for multiple years (2011–2017).

• She has been recognized by Institutional Investor as “Best CEO in the Electric Utilities” in 2014.

• Her civic and governance roles include membership on boards such as Halliburton, Chevron, and a position on the Lockheed Martin board.

• She is active in education and regional economic development bodies, including roles with USC’s engineering school and San Diego’s economic development groups.

Leadership Style & Legacy

• Reed’s leadership is distinguished by her technical grounding, having risen through engineering and utility management into executive leadership.

• She broke glass ceilings in a male-dominated sector, becoming the first woman CEO of a Fortune 500 company in San Diego.

• During her tenure, the company showed strong performance, shareholder returns, and expansion into international energy markets.

• As a champion for women in business, her ascent is often cited as an inspiration for female executives in STEM and energy sectors.

Personal Life

• Reed resides in San Diego with her husband, and they have one daughter.

• She has stayed connected to her alma mater and engineering education through governance and mentorship.