Hawaiian Electric Industries has named Eric Yeaman to the newly created position of senior executive vice president and chief operating officer of its utility subsidiary, Hawaiian Electric Co.

Yeaman currently serves as HEI financial vice president, treasurer and chief financial officer. His appointment is effective Feb. 1.

In his new position, Yeaman will be responsible for HECO's day-to-day operations.

He will report to T. Michael "Mike" May, HECO president and chief executive officer, who will continue to oversee the entire utility organization, including subsidiaries Hawaii Electric Light Co. and Maui Electric Co.

"Helping solve Hawai'i's energy issues has become increasingly important and complex, and Eric's leadership of the day-to-day responsibilities of our O'ahu utility will enable Mike to give even greater focus to our ongoing efforts to develop a balanced, comprehensive energy plan," said Constance Lau, HEI president and CEO, and chair of HECO's board.

Before joining HEI in 2003, Yeaman served as chief operating officer for Kamehameha Schools. He also is a board member of The Nature Conservancy of Hawai'i, Hawai'i Community Foundation, Queen's Health Systems, The Queen's Medical Center, Queen Emma Land Co., Enterprise Honolulu, Hawai'i Pacific University and the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies Foundation.

HEI also announced that Curtis Harada will replace Yeaman as acting financial vice president, treasurer and CFO. Harada also will retain his position as HEI controller.

Robbie Alm, the current HECO senior vice president for public affairs, will become executive vice president for public affairs. Also, Tayne Sekimura will be promoted from HECO financial vice president to senior vice president, finance and administration.

All appointments take effect Feb. 1.