President and CEO
WEC Energy Group | Milwaukee
Scott Lauber is president and CEO of
WEC Energy Group, one of the largest public companies in Wisconsin. WEC provides electricity and natural gas to 4.4 million customers through its subsidiaries: Milwaukee-based We Energies, Green Bay-based Wisconsin Public Service, Michigan Gas Utilities, Upper Michigan Energy Resources, Minnesota Energy and Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas. The company has about 7,000 employees and reported revenue of $8.8 billion in 2023. Lauber has been with WEC since 1990. Lauber is also on the board of directors of American Transmission Co.
Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
What has been your/your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months?
“Our continued progress reducing emissions and ensuring customers across the region have the affordable, reliable and clean energy they depend on. In the past 12 months we’ve added both efficient natural gas and renewable generation to serve our electric customers, including the completion of the largest solar project in Wisconsin history.”
How do you see the future of your industry?
“The utility industry is at the beginning of an era of growth not seen for decades. We are delivering affordable, reliable and clean energy to our customers. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Building and maintaining safe, resilient infrastructure. And powering the future of everything from AI and electric vehicles to advanced manufacturing and small businesses.”
What advice would you give to someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
“You don’t know what the future will bring, so focus everyday on the foundation and fundamentals of your business.”
What is your cocktail of choice?
“A Brandy Old Fashioned – I am from Wisconsin.”
Is there anything new that you would like to learn this year?
“Continue to grow as a leader.”
What is your definition of success?
“When everything around you grows and gets better – the company, employees, community…”
What are the most important traits to look for when hiring a new employee?
“Integrity and motivation to drive for results.”
What’s your favorite movie and why?
“‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ – The movie underlines an important lesson. Everyone’s life affects many people – so make it positive.”
What’s your favorite part of the workday?
“The morning - Plan the day and execute on the opportunities.”
2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile
Manufacturing | Energy & Utilities
President and CEO
WEC Energy Group | Milwaukee
Scott Lauber was named president and chief executive officer of WEC Energy Group earlier this year, succeeding retiring CEO Kevin Fletcher. One of the largest public companies in Wisconsin, WEC Energy Group is the parent company of Milwaukee-based We Energies and Green Bay-based Wisconsin Public Service, as well as Michigan Gas Utilities, Upper Michigan Energy Resources, Minnesota Energy and Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas. Lauber’s role includes oversight of WEC’s utilities throughout Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota. The company, which has about 7,000 employees, reported revenue of $8.3 billion and net income of $1.3 billion in 2021. Lauber has been with WEC since 1990, most recently as chief operating officer. Lauber is also on the board of directors of American Transmission Co.
Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
"Farm labor, I learned the value of hard work. In addition, I also learned the benefits of prioritizing and planning each task efficiently and effectively."
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career?
"Become a student of the business and always continue to learn and grow."
If you could have dinner with any two business leaders, who would you choose and why?
"Warren Buffet and Elon Musk. They are different people with different approaches, but both are very successful. I would try to learn what skills and traits they have in common."
What are some of your favorite destinations/places to visit?
"Las Vegas and Switzerland."
What is your favorite Wisconsin restaurant and what do you order there?
"HOBNOB in Racine. I always order the steak. It is a great, traditional supper club."
What was your first car? How long did you drive it for?
"Honda Accord - I drove it for 8 years, it had a lot of miles."
What advice would you give to a young professional?
"Be willing to take on additional challenges, work as a team, see the big picture, continue to learn and… have fun."
What has been your/your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months?
"Leading the effort to decarbonize our generation fleet and continue to provide customers affordable, reliable and clean energy. In addition we are helping to shape the future with a hydrogen power pilot test that is the first of its kind in the world."
As you enter your office what would you choose to be your walk-up or theme song: "AC/DC, 'It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Want to Rock 'n' Roll)'. It's a great song and impressive how they incorporate bagpipes."
What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?
"Taking a new job and not knowing if you are ready."
What has you most excited about the future?
"The world is changing so fast. Technology advancements over the past 20 years are incredible. What's next?"
