American Electric Power has named Chris Brathwaite vice president and chief communications officer, effective May 13, 2024. He will report to Phil Ulrich, executive vice president and chief human resources officer. Brathwaite will have responsibility for enterprise-wide employee and external communications, reputation management, policy communications, marketing, brand management, digital communications, social media, analytics and creative services.

Brathwaite most recently served as senior vice president and chief communications officer of Tenneco, a global automotive components manufacturer. Prior to joining Tenneco in 2018, he held roles of increasing responsibility with Sears Holdings Corporation, including vice president of corporate communications, divisional vice president of corporate public relations and director of corporate public relations. Brathwaite also served as manager of media relations for United Airlines and held roles in media relations and external affairs for State Farm Insurance.

He began his career as a news reporter and anchor for WJBC/WBNQ radio in Illinois. Brathwaite earned his bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism from Bradley University. He is vice chair of the Commission on Public Relations Education and a member of the Arthur W. Page Society.