The leader of the metro-east's largest energy provider has been named among the top 100 executives in the country.

Black Enterprise Magazine has named Ameren Illinois President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Mark to its 100 Most Powerful Executives in America for 2012. Mark and others on the list are featured in the magazine's September issue.

The list includes leaders of other U.S. companies such as Xerox, Federal Express and McDonald's Corp. The magazine has been recognizing African-American leaders at America's largest companies since 1988.

Mark said it was a great honor to be recognized by the magazine.

"I am fortunate to work for a great company with a great team," Mark said in a released statement. "This award embodies the core business values we live by at Ameren: integrity, respect, accountability, stewardship, teamwork and commitment to excellence."

Mark has held various positions with the utility provider over the past 10 years. He is currently leading the company in an investment in its infrastructure to upgrade its electric and natural gas distribution systems. He also serves on a number of boards and organizations in the St. Louis area

Earl Graves Jr., the magazine's president and chief executive officer, said in a statement, "Mr. Mark's inclusion on this list is evidence of the undeniable progress and contributions of African-American executive talent in corporate America, and we could not be more enthusiastic about recognizing his achievements."

Mark and other honorees will be recognized at an awards dinner on Oct. 2 in New York.

Contact reporter Will Buss at wbuss@bnd.com or 239-2526.