NiSource Inc. on Jan. 31 announced the appointment of Mark Kempic as chief transformation officer, effective Feb. 13.

In his new role, Kempic will focus on integrating processes and technology across the company's assets in seven states. He will report to NiSource President and CEO Joseph Hamrock and will join the company's executive council.

Kempic has been in the energy industry for more than 35 years and is currently the president of NiSource subsidiaries Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania Inc. and Columbia Gas of Maryland Inc.

He will be succeeded by Mike Huwar, also effective Feb. 13. Huwar comes back to NiSource from Columbia Midstream Group LLC, where he served as vice president for marketing. Huwar first joined Columbia Gas in 1986 and previously served as vice president and general manager of Columbia Gas of Virginia Inc. before he moved to Columbia Midstream.

Columbia Pipeline Group Inc. is the parent company of Columbia Midstream.