MERRILLVILLE – NiSource Inc. has announced that Jim L. Stanley will join the utility on Oct. 1 as executive vice president and group CEO for Northern Indiana Public Service Co.

“Jim Stanley brings extensive Indiana utility leadership experience to NIPSCO’s ongoing efforts to strengthen customer service, enhance reliability, and execute on major new environmental and infrastructure investment programs,” said Robert C. Skaggs, NiSource president and CEO.

Stanley succeeds Jimmy D. Staton, who has led both NIPSCO and NiSource gas transmission and storage operations. Staton will now serve exclusively as executive vice president and group CEO for NGT&S, focusing on a broad array of customer service, growth and infrastructure initiatives at the company.

Most recently Stanley was senior vice president and chief distribution officer for Duke Energy’s U.S. electric business. His 35-year career also includes time with PSI Energy and Cinergy.