Bryson, 67, retired from Edison International in July 2008, culminating an 18-year career at the utility.
Six years into his tenure, he was elected chairman and CEO of Edison International, and from 1990 through 2000 also served as chairman and CEO of Southern California Edison, the company's regulated utility subsidiary.
Before joining Edison, Bryson was a partner in a law firm.
He was president of the California Public Utilities Commission from 1979 to 1982, and before that was chairman of the California State Water Resources Control Board.
Bryson co-founded and served as an attorney for the NRDC, a national environmental organization, following his graduation from Yale Law School.
"For 18 years, John was a visionary leader of Edison International, and we know that he will bring that same leadership to the Department of Commerce," said Theodore F. Craver Jr., Edison International's current CEO and chairman.
Robert A. Iger, president and CEO of the Walt Disney Co., also congratulated Bryson -- a member of the Disney Board of Directors -- on the appointment.
"John has been an incredibly valuable member of our board, bringing experience and insight to complex issues," Iger said.
"He is a proven leader, with strong
strategic vision and business savvy, along with a keen grasp of policy and its impact on the business environment. It's an ideal combination for a U.S. Commerce Secretary, one that bodes well for the country's long-term economic growth and competitiveness."Introducing Bryson at the White House today, Obama said his nominee "is going to be an important part of my economic team, promoting American business and American products across the globe."
"By working with companies here at home, and representing America's interests abroad, I'm confident that he's going to help us meet the goal that I set of doubling our nation's exports," the president said.
"In this new role, John will be able to draw on decades of business experience across a range of industries -- from his role on the boards of major companies like Disney and Boeing to his leadership in the clean energy industry. That's the expertise that will help us create new jobs and make America more competitive in the global economy."
Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, criticized the nomination.
"With gas prices at nearly $4 a gallon, it's certainly eye-catching that President Obama has nominated a founder of an organization that opposes efforts to increase domestic oil production to serve as the nation's key advocate for our economic interests," Issa said. "The nomination of John Bryson to lead the Department of Commerce seems deeply out of touch with our current energy challenge."
Source: http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_18175542?source=rss
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