Xcel Energy Appoints Ryan Long as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal and Compliance Officer
Xcel Energy has named Ryan Long as its new executive vice president and chief legal and compliance officer, a move that takes effect immediately. This appointment marks a pivotal leadership transition for the company as Long steps into the role formerly held by Rob Berntsen, who recently accepted a position outside of Xcel Energy.
In addition to his new responsibilities, Long will continue to serve as president of Xcel Energy’s operations in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota during the company’s search for his successor. This dual role underscores the company’s confidence in Long’s leadership capabilities and deep understanding of both legal and operational matters.
A Proven Leader with Legal and Operational Expertise
Bob Frenzel, Xcel Energy’s chairman, president, and CEO, praised Long’s appointment, stating, “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.” Frenzel emphasized that Long’s legal expertise and jurisdictional insight are “critical assets as we make energy work better for customers.” He also highlighted Long’s value as an advisor, noting, “Ryan’s counsel to me, the Xcel Energy leadership team and the Board of Directors is invaluable.”
With a legal and regulatory career spanning nearly two decades, Long brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new executive role. He will now be responsible for leading Xcel Energy’s legal, compliance, and federal affairs functions—areas that are increasingly critical in an era of complex energy regulation and transformative shifts toward clean energy.
A Career Steeped in Legal Excellence
Long’s career trajectory at Xcel Energy reflects a steady ascent through the company’s legal ranks. He joined Xcel in late 2015 as a principal attorney and quickly earned recognition for his deep legal insight and management abilities. In May 2021, he was promoted to vice president and deputy general counsel, where he managed key areas including Federal and State Regulatory law, Environmental law, and Real Estate legal issues.
He also served as interim general counsel during a pivotal transition period from late 2023 through early 2024. In that role, Long helped to steer the company’s legal team through a time of major operational and strategic initiatives, including regulatory filings, environmental compliance, and internal legal governance.
Long’s experience outside of Xcel Energy is equally impressive. Before joining the utility, he worked as a lawyer at two prestigious firms: Faegre Baker Daniels (now Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath) in Minneapolis, and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP in New York City. These experiences provided him with a strong foundation in corporate, regulatory, and litigation matters—skills that have proven invaluable in his roles at Xcel.
Continued Oversight in the Upper Midwest
Even as he assumes executive responsibilities at the corporate level, Long will continue to lead the Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota jurisdiction. This region represents a significant portion of Xcel Energy’s customer base and operational footprint, with substantial investments underway in renewable energy, grid modernization, and clean energy infrastructure.
Long’s leadership in this region has already contributed to several important initiatives, including clean energy transition planning, state regulatory proceedings, and customer engagement strategies. His continued involvement will ensure consistency and stability while Xcel Energy conducts an internal and external search for a new regional president.
This decision reflects both Long’s capacity for high-level leadership and the strategic importance of the Upper Midwest to Xcel Energy’s broader goals. The company has made significant progress in its transition to a cleaner energy portfolio, and Long’s continued oversight will help maintain momentum in key regulatory and policy arenas.
Guiding Legal Strategy in a Transforming Industry
Long’s appointment comes at a time of rapid change in the U.S. energy industry. Utilities like Xcel Energy are navigating complex legal, regulatory, and policy challenges as they decarbonize their energy mix, invest in emerging technologies, and respond to evolving stakeholder expectations.
As chief legal and compliance officer, Long will be tasked with guiding Xcel’s legal response to this shifting landscape. His purview will include matters related to federal energy policy, state-level regulation, environmental compliance, litigation, risk management, and corporate governance. The legal and compliance functions he now oversees will play a vital role in ensuring that the company meets its business objectives while adhering to regulatory mandates and ethical standards.
His legal stewardship is particularly vital as Xcel Energy works to achieve its ambitious clean energy goals. The company has pledged to deliver 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050 and reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels. Achieving these goals will require navigating a complex web of federal and state regulations, along with robust stakeholder engagement—a task that Long is well-equipped to handle.
Board and Community Engagement
Beyond his work at Xcel Energy, Long is actively involved in civic and cultural life. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, one of the nation’s leading regional theaters. His service on the board underscores a broader commitment to community engagement and leadership, aligning with Xcel Energy’s own values around corporate responsibility and regional investment.
His ability to bridge corporate leadership with community service reflects the kind of multidimensional leadership that Xcel Energy values. In today’s energy industry, success is measured not only by financial performance but also by a company’s ability to be a responsible steward of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. Long’s community engagement complements his role in ensuring the company meets its ESG commitments.
