Xcel Energy names Rob Berntsen new executive vice president and chief legal and compliance officer

Rhea-AI Summary

Xcel Energy has appointed Rob Berntsen as the new executive vice president and chief legal and compliance officer, succeeding Amanda Rome, who held the position on an interim basis.

Berntsen brings two decades of experience in the energy sector, having previously served in senior roles at BHE Renewables and MidAmerican Energy.

He will oversee Xcel Energy’s legal, compliance, corporate secretary, and securities teams, as the company continues its transition to a clean energy economy.

Berntsen has a strong legal background, with a juris doctor degree from the University of Iowa and a Bachelor of Science from Georgetown University. He also served as a captain in the Judge Advocate General Corps of the U.S. Army.

Positive

• Rob Berntsen has two decades of experience in the energy sector.
• Berntsen previously held senior roles at BHE Renewables and MidAmerican Energy, indicating significant industry expertise.
• Xcel Energy continues to emphasize its commitment to transitioning to a clean energy economy.
• Berntsen’s appointment could enhance Xcel Energy’s legal and compliance strategies amid the evolving energy landscape.

Negative

• The transition in leadership may bring initial disruptions as Berntsen adapts to his new role.
• The previous executive, Amanda Rome, held the position on an interim basis, possibly indicating instability in the executive team.

Berntsen will oversee legal, compliance and corporate secretary and securities teams

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Xcel Energy today named Rob Berntsen as the company’s executive vice president and chief legal and compliance officer. Berntsen takes over the role from Amanda Rome, who held the position on an interim basis while also serving in her role as executive vice president, group president – utilities and chief customer officer.

Rob Berntsen (Photo: Business Wire)

“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,” said Bob Frenzel, Xcel Energy’s chairman, president, and CEO. “Rob’s sound legal counsel and commercial acumen will be key as we strive to deliver safe, reliable and affordable service to our customers.”

Berntsen will oversee Xcel Energy’s legal, compliance and corporate secretary and securities teams.

“The landscape of the energy sector is shifting rapidly,” Berntsen said. “In joining Xcel Energy, I am excited to help the company navigate a host of legal and compliance considerations as it continues to lead the clean energy transition.”

Most recently, Berntsen served as 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. Prior to that, Berntsen worked for MidAmerican Energy Company, where he led the utility’s legal, regulatory, rates, government affairs, compliance, and energy efficiency groups. In addition, Berntsen has held leadership roles with the Midcontinent Independent System Operator Inc. (MISO) and the Iowa Utilities Board.

A veteran, Berntsen served as a captain in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps, the legal arm of the U.S. Army and deployed to Iraq in 2005 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Berntsen earned his juris doctor degree from the University of Iowa and a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgetown University.

About Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, and Facebook.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240520420319/en/

Xcel Energy Media Relations

612-215-5300

mediainquiries@xcelenergy.com

Source: Xcel Energy

FAQ

Who is the new executive vice president and chief legal and compliance officer of Xcel Energy as of 2023?

Rob Berntsen has been appointed as the new executive vice president and chief legal and compliance officer of Xcel Energy.

What roles did Rob Berntsen hold before joining Xcel Energy?

Before joining Xcel Energy, Rob Berntsen served as senior vice president, chief of staff, and general counsel at BHE Renewables and held leadership roles at MidAmerican Energy.

What is Rob Berntsen’s educational background?

Rob Berntsen earned his juris doctor degree from the University of Iowa and a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgetown University.

What areas will Rob Berntsen oversee at Xcel Energy?

Rob Berntsen will oversee Xcel Energy’s legal, compliance, corporate secretary, and securities teams.

What is Xcel Energy’s focus under Rob Berntsen’s leadership?

Under Rob Berntsen’s leadership, Xcel Energy will continue to lead the nation’s transition to a clean energy economy.