Rural Lawrence resident James Haines is retiring as chief executive officer of Westar Energy Inc., and he will be succeeded by William Moore, the company’s president and chief operating officer.

The announcement came late Wednesday afternoon, after members of Westar’s board of directors met at the utility’s Topeka headquarters. Haines’ retirement is effective June 30.

Moore, 54, will join Westar’s board May 1.

“For several years, the board has been active in succession planning, and we are confident that the company will continue to succeed under Bill’s leadership,” said Charles Q. Chandler IV, chairman of the board. “The board also thanks Jim Haines for his great leadership and unwavering commitment to Westar’s success.”

Westar is the largest electric utility in Kansas, providing service to about 669,000 customers in the state, including Lawrence. The company has a power plant, the Lawrence Energy Center, at the northern edge of Lawrence.