Columbus – October 12, 2026 -- American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) has elected Marriott International Chairman David Marriott and Equinix Executive Chairman Charles Meyers to its Board of Directors, effective July 20, bringing the board to 12 directors, 11 of them independent.
AEP adds data center and hospitality operating experience as it invests to meet unprecedented energy demand
AEP said the two appointees will provide insight as it invests to meet unprecedented energy demand while maintaining its focus on reliability and affordability. Chairman, President and CEO Bill Fehrman said their experience aligns directly with AEP's strategy to meet growing demand, deliver reliable, affordable power and create long-term value for shareholders.
Meyers doubled Equinix's data center footprint and quadrupled revenue as CEO
Meyers became Executive Chairman of Equinix in June 2024 after serving as President and CEO from 2018 to 2024. During his tenure as CEO, Equinix doubled its global data center footprint and quadrupled revenues. He previously served as Chief Operating Officer, President of Strategy, Services and Innovation, and President of the Americas region at the company.
Fehrman said Meyers has direct insight into the customers and technologies driving the new era of electric demand. Meyers said, "The digital economy depends on reliable electric infrastructure," and added that AEP has the footprint, transmission expertise and operating discipline to help meet those needs.
Marriott oversaw more than 330 hotels across 14 brands before becoming chairman
David Marriott has served as a director of Marriott International since 2021 and as Chairman since 2022. He joined the company in 1999 and held senior operational, sales and leadership roles. As President, U.S. Full Service Managed by Marriott, he oversaw more than 330 hotels operating under 14 brands across 34 states and French Polynesia.
As Chief Operations Officer, The Americas Eastern Region, he helped oversee the U.S. integration of Marriott's acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Marriott said delivering consistently across a large footprint requires operational discipline, strong teams and trusted relationships. He said AEP serves millions of customers who depend on it every day.