Lee Wages is retiring as the controller of Westar Energy Inc., and the company’s board of directors has named Kevin Kongs his successor.<br /><br />Kongs, who has been the company’s assistant controller, will be promoted to vice president and controller.<br /><br />The change is effective Nov. 8, says Westar (NYSE: WR).<br /><br />Kongs, a Topeka native, has served as Westar’s assistant controller since 2006 and has served in other leadership capacities during his 24 years with the company, including leading teams in accounting and tax.<br /><br />Wages, meanwhile, is retiring after 36 years with the company. He started in 1977 as a regulatory analyst.