Energy Companies from 10 Countries Win Honors at S&P Global Platts Global Energy Awards

NEW YORK, Dec. 7, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Energy companies from 10 countries spanning four continents tonight received honors for leadership, innovation and exemplary performance at the 19(th) annual S&P Global Platts Global Energy Awards, often described as the "Oscars" of energy. The program bestowed 20 awards upon companies and individuals before an audience of nearly 400 energy and finance executives at a black-tie ceremony at Cipriani Wall Street in lower Manhattan. For a second year, the event was emceed by CNBC Television Energy Correspondent Jackie DeAngelis.

WINNERS
In its selection of France-based ENGIE for "Energy Company of the Year," the independent judges panel lauded its all-around distinction in the execution of a total energy strategy, where energy is "decarbonized, digitalized and decentralized," and reflected in its performance in the "Industry Leadership-Midstream" and "Rising Star-Individual" Awards categories. It was Gwenaëlle Huet, CEO of the ENGIE France Renewable unit responsible for hydro, wind, geothermal, solar and marine energy projects, who stood apart from peers in the judges' eyes, winning her the "Rising Star-Individual Award". Judges pointed to her "impressive" proven track record of strategic leadership and oversight of seven subsidiaries at a time when ENGIE was reorganizing into 24 business units.

"We congratulate ENGIE for its rare triple win and leadership," said Martin Fraenkel, president of S&P Global Platts. "The company impressed judges for its astute ability to read and interpret changes in energy markets and utilize technology to provide customer-centric solutions."

"Rising Star-Company" went to Mexico-based, 2014-founded Zuma Energia, for what judges described as "swift and exemplary" success in securing financial backing, experienced management and developing wind and solar projects amidst Mexico's opening of its energy markets to private investment.

"Progressive, enlightened, and hard-charging," are among the judges' many descriptions of Andrew Vesey, CEO of AGL Energy Ltd., who was named this year's "CEO of the Year," one of the most hotly contested award categories including 7 finalists from 6 countries. Vesey was lauded for his transformational vision to pivot Australia's largest greenhouse gas emitter, founded in 1827, away from coal to a diverse portfolio of renewables and for its commitment to closing all of its coal-fired power stations by 2050.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT HONORS
Both David Owens, power industry restructuring expert and retired Edison Electric Institute executive vice president, and Angeleno Group's Frank Zarb, who advised five U.S. presidents on energy, were honored with "Lifetime Achievement" accolades. For full details of their industry-recognized accomplishments and the judges' rationale for these and all winners, access "2017 S&P Global Platts Global Energy Awards: Performance Today, Perspective for Tomorrow," in the December S&P Global Platts Insight (link: https://secure.viewer.zmags.com/publication/7f2bab68).

"Each of tonight's winners and the finalists are to be applauded for contributions to the energy industry and for helping to create a more sustainable energy future for all," said Fraenkel.

A full list of winners may also be viewed at: (http://geaweb.platts.com/Winners/Winners2017), where you can also find details about the awards, independent judging panel, and more.

Media Contact:
Global, Americas, Asia: Kathleen Tanzy, + 1 917 331 4607, kathleen.tanzy@spglobal.com

About S&P Global Platts
At S&P Global Platts, we provide the insights; you make better informed trading and business decisions with confidence. We're the leading independent provider of information and benchmark prices for the commodities and energy markets. Customers in over 150 countries look to our expertise in news, pricing and analytics to deliver greater transparency and efficiency to markets. S&P Global Platts coverage includes oil and gas, power, petrochemicals, metals, agriculture and shipping.

S&P Global Platts is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), which provides essential intelligence for companies, governments and individuals to make decisions with confidence. For more information, visit http://spglobal.com/platts.

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SOURCE S&P Global Platts