CMS Energy announced that Brian Rich, an executive with more than 15 years of experience with global utility, telecommunication and information technology firms, will start as vice president and chief information officer, effective July 1. In his new role, Rich will have overall responsibility for the information technology systems for CMS Energy and its principal subsidiary, Consumers Energy, a Michigan electricity and natural gas provider. He will report to Butler. Rich has served as vice president of business technology for Pacific Gas and Electric Co., overseeing the company's technology strategy.

He started with PG&E in 2010 and was responsible for the technology deployment of the largest smart meter implementation in North American history. Prior to joining PG&E, Rich held a series of progressively responsible positions for Accenture, starting in 1996, providing strategic and technological services to companies worldwide.