(Reuters) - Activist investor Elliott Management disclosed its stake in NiSource on Friday and said it supported the company's decision to name a new chief executive officer, sending shares in the utility to a near two-year high. The company on late Thursday named Lloyd Yates as its chief executive officer with Joe Hamrock announcing his retirement after nearly a decade at NiSource. "As one of NiSource's largest investors, Elliott welcomes the company's decision to refresh its management and board following our recent dialogue," the activist investor said in a statement.