CEO of major Houston energy co. steps down effective immediately

The president and CEO of a major Houston-based energy provider has stepped down.

CenterPoint Energy Inc. (NYSE: CNP) announced Feb. 19 that board member John W. Somerhalder II has been named interim president and CEO effective immediately. He succeeds outgoing leader Scott Prochazka, who also stepped down from the board of directors.

The company has begun the process to find a permanent CEO, including forming a subcommittee of the board.

The announcement comes just days after the Texas Public…