Hawaiian Electric Co. has named a Southern California Edison executive to take over as chief executive officer of the Honolulu-based utility.

Richard Rosenblum, 58, will replace Michael May, who stepped down as president and CEO of Hawaiian Electric. Rosenblum's appointment is effective Jan. 1.

Rosenblum has 32 years of experience in all phases of utility operations at Southern California Edison, California's largest electric utility, HECO said in a news release. Most recently, he held the position of senior vice president of generation, responsible for all of SCE's power generation facilities.

"Dick brings broad experience in all major areas of the utility business, proven leadership skills, and a belief in our strategic vision to help Hawai'i create a clean energy future," said Constance Lau, president and chief executive officer of Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc., HECO's parent company.

At SCE, Rosenblum helped initiate the nation's largest solar photovoltaic project, which aims to install 250 megawatts of solar generating capacity on commercial rooftops around Southern California.

May headed HECO for the past 13 years and spearheaded many of the company's energy efficiency programs. He was at the helm in October 2006 when twin earthquakes off the Big Island triggered an O'ahu-wide power outage.

Rosenblum and his wife, Michele, have been part-time residents of Hawai'i for more than 20 years,with a home on the Big Island.

Before his stint as SCE executive vice president, Rosenblum served for more than seven years as senior vice president of the transmission and distribution business unit. He has also held the positions of vice president of engineering and technical services and vice president of SCE's Distribution business unit, which included responsibility for customer service.