Entergy Names Patrick Stack as New Chief Accounting Officer in Planned Transition

Entergy Corporation (NYSE: ETR) announced a planned leadership transition in its accounting department, with Patrick J. Stack set to become the company's new Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer on June 1, 2026. The appointment follows the planned retirement of current CAO Reginald T. Jackson, who will step down on May 31, 2026.

The Change

Reginald T. Jackson, who currently serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer for Entergy Corporation and its five operating company registrants, informed the company on March 25, 2026, of his intention to retire at the end of May. Jackson's retirement marks the end of his tenure overseeing accounting operations across Entergy's utility subsidiaries, including Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas.

Patrick J. Stack, 53, will assume the CAO role across all six entities starting June 1, 2026. The company has set Stack's annual base salary at $356,000, with eligibility for an annual cash bonus targeted at 45% of base salary under Entergy's Annual Incentive Program. Additionally, Stack will be eligible for equity compensation including performance units, restricted stock, and stock options under the company's 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan.

Background

Stack brings significant internal experience to his new role, having served as Corporate Controller of Entergy Services, LLC (ESL) since March 2022. His tenure with Entergy extends further back, as he previously held the position of Controller for Utility Operations Accounting at ESL from January 2019 to March 2022. This progression through increasingly senior accounting roles within Entergy's corporate structure positions Stack as a natural successor with deep knowledge of the company's operations.

The transition represents an internal promotion rather than an external hire, suggesting continuity in Entergy's accounting practices and financial reporting approach. Stack's more than five years of experience within Entergy's accounting organization provides him with intimate knowledge of the company's complex utility operations across multiple state jurisdictions.

According to the SEC filing, there are no arrangements or understandings between Stack and any other person regarding his appointment, and he has no family relationships with any director or executive officer of Entergy. The company also confirmed that Stack has no direct or indirect material interest in any related party transactions requiring disclosure.

What It Means

This orderly succession plan demonstrates Entergy's commitment to smooth leadership transitions and internal talent development. By announcing the change more than two months in advance and promoting from within, the company minimizes disruption to its financial reporting processes during a critical period.

The compensation package outlined for Stack aligns with typical utility sector executive compensation, with the combination of base salary, performance-based annual bonus potential, and long-term equity incentives. The 45% bonus target represents a meaningful portion of total cash compensation, tying a significant component of Stack's pay to company performance metrics.

For investors, the internal promotion suggests stability in Entergy's accounting policies and financial reporting practices. Stack's existing familiarity with Entergy's operations across its six-state service territory should enable a seamless transition without the learning curve typically associated with external hires. His experience overseeing utility operations accounting is particularly relevant given Entergy's focus on regulated utility operations.

The timing of the transition, effective at the start of June, aligns with the completion of first-quarter reporting obligations, allowing Jackson to oversee one final quarterly earnings cycle before his departure. This scheduling provides Stack with a clean starting point as he assumes responsibility for the company's accounting function during the typically less intensive summer reporting period.

Entergy's proactive succession planning in this key financial role reflects broader corporate governance best practices, particularly important for a utility company serving approximately 3 million customers across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. The smooth transition of the CAO position helps maintain investor confidence in the reliability and consistency of Entergy's financial reporting as the company continues to execute its strategic initiatives in the evolving energy sector.