TXU Corp. named former Entergy Corp. executive vice president and chief financial officer C. John Wilder as its president and chief executive, effective immediately.

He succeeds Erle Nye, who is stepping down as chief executive but will continue as chairman of the board of the Dallas-based utility through May 2005. Wilder is then expected to become chairman and chief executive, although Nye will remain on the board.

After 20 years with the Royal Dutch/Shell group, Wilder joined Entergy in 1998. Under Wilder’s leadership, claims TXU in its announcement, “Entergy was recognized nationally for its financial performance and disclosure practices.”

At Entergy, Wilder will be succeeded by Leo Denault, who will also take the titles of executive vice president and CFO. Denault joined Entergy in 1999 as vice president of corporate development following a similar position at Cinergy Corp.