Dominion Energy Appoints John Russell as Chief AI and Digital Officer

Dominion Energy announced on July 20, 2026 the appointment of John Russell as its new chief AI and digital officer. The US utility said the move comes as it continues to experience record demand from data centers across its footprint.

According to the company, Russell is an internal hire, who moved into the role from his previous position as vice president and chief technology officer, which he had held since April 2025. Before joining Dominion Energy, Russell worked in leadership roles at defense firms Northrop Grumman and Leidos, the utility said.

Reflecting on the appointment, Russell wrote on LinkedIn that the energy industry is at the intersection of unprecedented technological advancement and growing customer expectations. "Data, artificial intelligence, automation, and emerging technologies are rapidly reshaping how we operate, serve our customers, enhance reliability, and prepare for the future," Russell wrote.

“I am honored to help lead Dominion Energy's digital and AI journey at such a pivotal time. The opportunity before us is not simply about adopting new technologies; it’s about empowering my amazing colleagues at Dominion with better insights, enabling smarter decisions, and unlocking new ways to create value across the enterprise." Russell added.