Aug 1 (Reuters) - Utility firm NRG Energy ( NRG ) named

interim CEO Lawrence Coben as its top boss on Thursday,

following a push from activist investor Elliott Investment last

year.

Coben had served as the chairman of NRG since 2017 and

replaced outgoing CEO Mauricio Gutierrez on an interim basis

last November.

Elliott disclosed a more than 13% stake in NRG in May 2023

and called for strategic changes at the company including a

boardroom overhaul.

Elliott did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for

comment.

NRG will report its quarterly results on Aug. 8.