Xcel Energy names Ryan Long chief legal and compliance officer

Xcel Energy (XEL) announced Ryan Long as the company’s executive vice president and chief legal and compliance officer, effective immediately. Long, currently president of Xcel Energy – Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, takes over the role held by Rob Berntsen, who accepted a position outside the company. “Ryan has an extensive legal background as well as demonstrating tremendous leadership in strategic planning, operational considerations and financial results in his current role as president,” said Bob Frenzel, Xcel Energy’s chairman, president and CEO. “His legal acumen and jurisdictional expertise are critical assets as we make energy work better for customers. Ryan’s counsel to me, the Xcel Energy leadership team and the Board of Directors is invaluable.” Long will oversee Xcel Energy’s legal, compliance, and federal affairs teams. He previously served as interim general counsel in late 2023 and early 2024. Long will continue to oversee the Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota jurisdiction as the company conducts an internal and external search for the next president for this operating company.