Duke Energy Corporation announced that Brett Carter, president of Duke Energy North Carolina since 2008, has been named chief distribution officer and senior vice president for the company's utility operations in six states. The company has named Paul R. Newton to succeed Carter as state president for North Carolina. In his new role, Carter will have responsibility for the company's distribution systems and operations in the Carolinas, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, as the utilities continue working to modernize the electric grid.

Carter will report to Keith Trent, executive vice president and chief operating officer-Regulated Utilities. As state president for North Carolina, Newton will be responsible for advancing the company's rate and regulatory initiatives and managing state and local regulatory and governmental relations, economic development and community affairs, as well as water strategy and services. Newton will be located in Raleigh and will report to Lloyd Yates, executive vice president-Regulated Utilities.

Carter has been with Duke Energy since 2005 in a number of executive roles in customer service, business development and other functions. He came to Duke Energy from Aquila in Kansas City, where he was responsible for customer service and information technology. Carter has been active in a number of community and professional activities.

Newton is currently senior vice president and special advisor to Duke Energy Chairman, President and CEO Jim Rogers.