Eli Viamontes Will Lead El Paso Electric as CEO
The former Entergy Texas executive will take over the utility’s operations on November 9, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in People
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The El Paso Electric Board of Directors has appointed Eli Viamontes to serve as president and chief executive officer starting November 9, 2026. Viamontes, formerly the CEO of Entergy Texas, will succeed Kelly Tomblin following her six-year tenure.
Why it matters
The leadership change arrives as the company manages energy expansion needs across its 10,000-square-mile service territory. The board selected a new successor to position the utility for ongoing regional growth.
El Paso Electric serves 465,000 customers across a 10,000-square-mile area. The incoming CEO previously managed service for 538,000 customers at Entergy Texas.
The players
Eli Viamontes
The incoming president and CEO who previously oversaw electric service for 538,000 customers as CEO of Entergy Texas.
Kelly Tomblin
The outgoing CEO who led the regional utility for more than six years.
El Paso Electric
A regional utility provider serving 465,000 customers across a 10,000-square-mile area.
The details
The board initiated the transition to facilitate a shift in executive leadership. While Tomblin departs after more than six years at the helm, she will stay on in an advisory capacity through the end of 2026. Viamontes brings experience managing large-scale utility operations from his previous role in the Texas market.
Timeline
November 9, 2026: Eli Viamontes assumes the CEO role.
End of 2026: Kelly Tomblin concludes her advisory role with the company.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition follows the established pattern of executive turnover seen in the 2024 utility sector leadership consolidation trend. The move places new management at the helm of a utility operating across Texas and New Mexico.
Local business operators should track how the new leadership approach impacts utility service stability and rate planning. Pay close attention to any policy shifts or infrastructure priorities announced following the November transition.
The takeaway
Large-scale utility transitions often signal shifts in capital expenditure priorities and long-term infrastructure planning. Operators should monitor the company's official communications in Q4 for updates regarding service reliability goals and investment outlooks.
What happens next
Eli Viamontes will formally assume the role of CEO on November 9, 2026, with Kelly Tomblin expected to conclude her advisory duties by the end of 2026.
Further reading
For more on executive changes and leadership shifts in the region, visit People.
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