Christopher H. Franklin
Chairman, Essential Utilities
A fixture of the Essential leadership team, Christopher Franklin is chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG). Essential is one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. He has served as CEO since July 2015, and as chairman since December 2017.
Professional History
Since being named CEO in 2015, the company’s market capitalization more than tripled. Through the company’s growth-through-acquisition program, customer count nearly doubled and total return to shareholders was more than 100%.
These successes are attributed to Franklin refocusing the company on growing its regulated business, purchasing municipal water and wastewater systems, and shedding its under-performing unregulated businesses. The company then broadened its strategy by adding Pittsburgh-based natural gas local distribution company, Peoples with its 740,000 customers at a purchase price of the $4.3 billion.
The accomplishment of which Franklin is most proud is building a strong, mission-based management team. He has worked deliberately to bring diversity to the company’s board of directors, employee base and management team. In his role as CEO, Franklin has significantly increased the presence of women in the senior leadership team. Under Franklin’s leadership, the company has been recognized by the Forum of Executive Women in Philadelphia for recruiting a Board of Directors that is comprised of at least 30 percent women.
Additionally, Franklin was named one of the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs for his “strong record of innovation, outstanding financial performance, commitment to quality, a strong vision, a commitment to diversity in the workplace and contributions to the Greater Philadelphia region.” Franklin was recognized by EY (formerly Ernst & Young) with their “Entrepreneur of the Year” award for his innovative vision and many years of successful leadership in the utility industry. In recognition of the leadership role he plays in the Commonwealth’s Energy and Environment space, Chris earned a top 10 position on City & State Pennsylvania’s 2023 “Energy and Environment Power 100” list.
Prior to his role as CEO, Franklin was president and chief operating officer. A 30-year veteran of the company, Franklin has held executive roles in public affairs, customer service and operations.
Board Leadership
In addition to serving as the chairman of Essential’s board of directors, Franklin is active in the community and serves on the following boards:
• Director, CenterPoint Energy (NYSE: CNP), Houston, TX
• Member, PNC (NYSE: PNC) Advisory Board, Philadelphia, PA
• Director and past chairman, National Association of Water Companies
• Trustee, The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA
• Director, Executive Committee, The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia
• Trustee, University of Pennsylvania Board of Trustees, Philadelphia, PA
• Trustee, West Chester University’s Council of Trustees, West Chester, PA
Education
Franklin earned his bachelor’s degree from West Chester University and his MBA from Villanova University.