MERRILLVILLE, Ind., March 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI) today announced that Joseph W. Mulpas has joined the company as a vice president in the corporation's Finance Department.

Following a transition period, Mulpas will succeed NiSource Vice President and Controller Jon D. Veurink in the role of Chief Accounting Officer. Veurink, who has served as NiSource Chief Accounting Officer since 2010, has been named to the role of Chief Financial Officer for NiSource's Gas Distribution business segment.

"Joe Mulpas brings exceptional technical accounting knowledge, experience, and proven leadership qualities to this important role on our team," NiSource Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Stephen P. Smith said. "Joe has strong experience in the energy sector, paired with extensive knowledge of regulatory accounting, SEC reporting, internal controls, and oversight of Sarbanes-Oxley compliance. His leadership qualities and experience are well matched with NiSource's core financial commitments and our vision of delivering world-class financial execution for our company and shareholders."

Smith also highlighted the important role Veurink will play in advancing NiSource's Gas Distribution segment business strategy. "Jon has led teams that delivered flawless execution and continuous improvement of our core accounting and reporting process," Smith noted. "His excellent technical financial knowledge, and proven ability to build successful, high-performing teams will make Jon a strong and strategic contributor to our Gas Distribution business."

Mulpas will lead teams responsible for NiSource's corporate financial reporting and accounting functions. He brings to the company two decades of experience in all aspects of public and private company accounting, having worked in finance and accounting roles for Deloitte & Touche, DPL Inc., Maxum Petroleum and, most recently, as assistant controller for First Energy Service Corporation in Ohio. He has an Accounting degree from the University of Akron.

Veurink will oversee financial planning and accounting teams for NiSource's gas distribution businesses. In addition to his experience with NiSource, he has worked in key financial roles with Exelon Generation Company, and Deloitte & Touche. He has a Business Administration degree from Alma College. Veurink and Mulpas will both be based at NiSource offices in Columbus, Ohio.

About NiSource
NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI), based in Merrillville, Ind., is a Fortune 500 company engaged in natural gas transmission, storage and distribution, as well as electric generation, transmission and distribution. NiSource operating companies deliver energy to 3.8 million customers located within the high-demand energy corridor stretching from the Gulf Coast through the Midwest to New England. Information about NiSource and its subsidiaries is available at www.nisource.com. NI-F

SOURCE NiSource Inc.