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 Madison-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?"
