ST. LOUIS, Jan. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Laclede Group, Inc. (NYSE: LG) announced today that L. Craig Dowdy has been named senior vice president, external affairs, corporate communications and marketing. This is a new position at the company. Dowdy will provide leadership for regulatory affairs, government and legislative matters, corporate communications, marketing and economic development strategies.

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"During the past two years we have aligned our company for growth. At the executive level, we rearranged a few seats on our leadership team to make room for a new strategic member," said Suzanne Sitherwood, Laclede Group president and CEO. "Craig brings more than 35 years of knowledge in the energy industry and a deep understanding of the unique regulatory environment for utilities. He knows the importance of effectively communicating with customers in order to achieve our goal of world-class customer service. That's a rare combination, and we're pleased beyond words that Craig has joined our team. It won't take long before we see the tremendous impact of Craig's leadership and experience for our customers, employees and investors."

Dowdy, 58, was previously a partner at the law firm of McKenna Long & Aldridge in Atlanta. In that role, he focused on state and federal public utility law, energy and telecommunications law, in addition to public policy, legislative affairs and commercial litigation. He represented clients in major rate case litigation, energy supply agreements, pipeline replacement and strategic infrastructure programs as well as mergers and acquisitions. Previous to this work, Dowdy was the manager of strategic and product planning at Westinghouse Power Systems. In that role, he directed strategic business and product planning including research, development and marketing communications.  

"Laclede has an outstanding history and legacy that I am proud to join. Additionally, I have watched the tremendous evolution and growth of this company over the past couple of years. It's an exciting time to be in the natural gas industry and certainly a privilege to be part of The Laclede Group's executive team," said Dowdy.

Dowdy holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Auburn University. He holds a law degree from Georgia State University. He is listed in The Best Lawyers in America for his practice in the areas of Administrative/Regulatory and Energy. He is ranked by Chambers USA as one of the leading energy lawyers in Georgia. Atlanta Magazine listed Dowdy as one of the Best Lawyers in Atlanta. He has also been recognized as a "Georgia Super Lawyer" by Law and Politics.

ABOUT THE LACLEDE GROUP
The Laclede Group, Inc. (NYSE: LG), headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a public utility holding company. The Gas Utility segment serves St. Louis and eastern Missouri through Laclede Gas and serves Kansas City and western Missouri through Missouri Gas Energy.  Together they provide more than 1.13 million residential, commercial and industrial customers with safe and reliable natural gas service. Laclede's primary non-utility business, Laclede Energy Resources, Inc., included in the Gas Marketing segment, provides non-regulated natural gas services. Laclede Group is committed to pursuing growth through 1) developing and investing in emerging technologies; 2) investing in infrastructure; 3) acquiring businesses to which the Company can apply its operating model, and 4) leveraging its current business unit competencies. For more information about Laclede and its subsidiaries, visit www.TheLacledeGroup.com.

SOURCE The Laclede Group, Inc.