rob berntsen
Rob Berntsen. (Source: Business Wire/ Xcel Energy)

Rob Berntsen has been named Xcel Energy’s new executive vice president and chief legal and compliance officer, Xcel announced in a May 20 press release.

Berntsen is assuming the role from Amanda Rome, who in addition to her role as executive vice president, group president, utilities and chief customer officer, had been in the position on an interim basis.

Berntsen will oversee the company’s legal, compliance and corporate secretary and securities teams. He comes to the company with two decades of experience in the energy sector, most recently serving as the senior vice president, chief of staff and general counsel at BHE Renewables, a Berkshire Hathaway company developing, owning and operating solar, wind, geothermal and hydroelectric power plants.

"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.”

Xcel Energy is a utilities company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company serves businesses and homes across eight Western and Midwestern states.