Black Enterprise magazine has named Richard J. Mark, chairman and president, Ameren Illinois, to its 2017 list of the most powerful executives in corporate America.
The publication identified business leaders who drive strategy, profits, and productivity for some of the nation’s leading corporations. Mark is featured in the magazine's October issue along with leaders from major U.S. companies such as Carnival Corp., J.C. Penney Co., and Kaiser Permanente.
"Our list of 300 men and women includes 16 CEOs culled from a universe of more than 1,400 corporations," said Earl "Butch" Graves Jr., CEO & president of Black Enterprise. "Although this is evidence of the undeniable progress, achievements, and contributions of outstanding black executive talent that have used their strategic focus and management prowess to heighten the global competitiveness of America's largest corporations, it also underscores the need to increase the pipeline of diverse talent to the top ranks of corporate America."
Under Mark's direction, Ameren Illinois has emerged as a national leader in the development of smart energy policy and progressive infrastructure development. Ameren Illinois is in year-seven of a 10-year massive overhaul of the grid, installing smart technologies, improving reliability, and creating thousands of jobs in communities throughout central and southern Illinois. He is currently leading a bold initiative that will expand access to energy efficiency programs and cost-saving saving tools for all customers, while paving the way for greater access to renewable energy.
"Being recognized by Black Enterprise magazine along with so many great African-American business leaders is a tremendous honor," Mark said. "I am fortunate to work for a great company and supported by talented and dedicated employees who are focused every day on meeting the needs of our residential and business customers."
About Ameren Illinois
Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and 816,000 natural gas customers throughout central and southern Illinois. Our service territory covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles and our mission is to power the quality of life. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com. Follow us on Twitter @AmerenIllinois and Facebook.
# # #