Xcel Energy has recruited Rob Berntsen as the company’s executive vice president and chief legal and compliance officer, overseeing the firm’s legal, compliance and corporate secretary and securities teams.
Berntsen most recently was senior vice president, chief of staff and general counsel at BHE Renewables, a Berkshire Hathaway Energy business that develops, owns and operates solar, wind, geothermal and hydroelectric power plants. According to his LinkedIn profile, before that he was senior vice president and general counsel at BHE Infrastructure Group for two years.
Berntsen previously worked for MidAmerican Energy Company, where he led the utility’s legal, regulatory, rates, government affairs, compliance and energy efficiency groups. In addition, he has held leadership roles with the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, including vice president for public and policy affairs, and the Iowa Utilities Board.
Before moving to the corporate field, Berntsen served as a captain in the Judge Advocate General Corps, the legal arm of the US Army, and was deployed to Iraq in 2005.
Bob Frenzel, Xcel Energy’s chair, president and CEO, says in a statement: ‘With two decades’ experience working in the energy sector, Rob is well suited to guide us forward as we lead the nation’s transition to a clean energy economy. [His] sound legal counsel and commercial acumen will be key as we strive to deliver safe, reliable and affordable service to our customers.’
Ben Maiden
Ben Maiden is the editor-at-large of Governance Intelligence, an IR Media publication, having joined the company in December 2016. He is based in New York. Ben was previously managing editor of Compliance Reporter, covering regulatory and compliance...
