PG&E Corp.’s chief executive will step down following a tumultuous year overseeing the utility’s attempts to improve safety and emerge from bankruptcy after its power lines sparked California wildfires that destroyed thousands of homes and killed more than 100 people.

Bill Johnson, who was appointed last April to help steer the company out of chapter 11, has decided to retire June 30, the company said Wednesday, adding that it appointed William “Bill” Smith, who joined the board in October, as interim CEO.

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