John McArthur was named executive vice president in September 2008.  In that role, he oversees the Legal; Audit Services; Corporate Services; Corporate Communications; Efficiency and Innovative Technology; Human Resources; Information Technology and Telecommunications; State Public Affairs and Economic Development; Supply Chain; and, External Relations – Florida departments.  He also serves as general counsel and corporate secretary, a position he has held since January 2004.  Previously he served as senior vice president - Corporate Relations and as vice president - Public Affairs.

McArthur came to Progress Energy in December 2001 after serving as a senior adviser to N.C. Gov. Mike Easley. McArthur directed major policy initiatives as well as media and legal affairs for the governor.

Previously, McArthur handled state government affairs for General Electric Co. He also served as chief counsel in the N.C. Attorney General's office, where he supervised utility, consumer, health care and environmental protection issues. He was a partner in the Raleigh law office of Hunton & Williams. He also served as a law clerk to the Honorable Sam J. Ervin III of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. A graduate of Davidson College, he earned his law degree from the University of South Carolina where he was editor of the Law Review.

McArthur serves as chairman of the North Carolina Education Lottery Commission and is chair of the Teach For America Eastern North Carolina Advisory Board.  He also serves on the board of the Global Transpark Foundation, Inc.