Xcel Energy has named Ryan Long as the company’s new Executive Vice President and Chief Legal and Compliance Officer. 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,” according to 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.

Long joined Xcel Energy as a principal attorney in late 2015 and was named vice president, deputy general counsel, in May 2021, managing the Federal and State Regulatory, Environmental and Real Estate legal teams. He previously worked as a lawyer for Faegre Baker Daniels, now known as Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath, in Minneapolis and Cravath, Swaine & Moore in New York City. Long currently serves on the board of directors of the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis.