Manufacturing | Energy & Utilities
Executive Chairman
WEC Energy Group | Milwaukee
Following WEC Energy Group’s acquisition of Integrys Energy Group, Gale Klappa retired as its CEO in 2016. The following year, he was reappointed by the board of directors to provide continuity after his successor had a major health setback. In 2019, Klappa was named executive chairman of the company. WEC, the Milwaukee-based holding company of Wisconsin Electric Power Co. and Wisconsin Gas LLC, has more than 4.5 million electric and natural gas customers and approximately 7,000 employees. Klappa sits on the MMAC’s executive committee, co-chairs the Milwaukee 7, serves on the UWM School of Business Advisory Council, and is a minority owner of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Favorite destinations: “Southern California (for the great weather), England and Scotland.”
Fun fact: “My first job after graduating from college was morning news anchor at a radio station in Minneapolis. It was ‘Fast Eddie and Joe Gale’ in the mornings.”
If you could give your favorite person any gift, what would it be: “An around-the-world trip for my wife.”
Nonprofit cause that has special meaning to you: “St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Incredible work toward curing childhood cancer.”