Charles R. Matthews

Charles Matthews was named president and chief executive officer — Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas in June 2015. 

In this role, Matthews oversees the daily operations, strategy, growth and administrative activities of WEC Energy Group’s two Illinois utilities that collectively provide natural gas service to nearly 1 million customers in the city of Chicago and 54 communities within the northern suburbs. 

Matthews possesses more than 30 years of energy industry experience in operations, finance, marketing, risk management, and mergers and acquisitions. Before taking the helm at Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas, Matthews spent nine years in executive and leadership positions at We Energies and served as senior vice president — wholesale energy and fuels and customer solutions. 

Matthews earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Talladega College and a master’s degree in finance from Clark Atlanta University School of Business. He also completed the University of Pennsylvania Wharton Business School’s executive program in utility finance. 

Matthews is a member of the boards of directors of the American Gas Association, BMO Financial Corp., BMO Harris Bank N.A., Chicago Urban League, Early Start, Economic Club of Chicago, Illinois Utility Business Diversity Council, Navy Pier, Talladega College, United Way of Metro Chicago (for which he served as 2020 campaign cabinet chair) and World Business Chicago. He also is active with several organizations and nonprofits in Chicago, including Chicago United, Commercial Club of Chicago and its Civic Committee.