Anne Shen Smith, Southern California Gas Co. chief executive, will retire next March as part of a broader management transition at parent company Sempra Energy.

Dennis Arriola, current president and chief operating officer, will take over as chief executive of the Los Angeles utility.

Sempra of San Diego announced the changes late Wednesday as part of a management succession plan. Chief Executive Debra Reed said the organizational changes will broaden the depth and experience of the company’s top executives, especially as several current executives are close to retirement age.

“Our ability to continue to identify and promote strong leaders has been a critical factor in our success, especially in a changing industry,” Reed said.

Smith, 59, has spent 36 years with Southern California Gas. Prior to being named chief executive last year, she was chief operating officer.

Arriola, 52, has spent 20 years at various Sempra Energy companies; he has been president and chief operating officer of Southern California Gas since last year.

J. Bret Lane, 54, will take over as chief operating officer. Lane has served as senior vice president of gas operations and system integrity at Southern California Gas since 2012.

All changes at Southern California Gas are effective March 1 next year.