Brightcore Energy Names Steven Berkenfeld Chief Strategy Officer
Brightcore Energy, a leading provider of end-to-end clean energy solutions to the commercial and institutional (“C&I”) market, announced today the appointment of Steven Berkenfeld to the newly created post of Chief Strategy Officer.
Berkenfeld will work closely with Brightcore’s management team on strategic business development, helping establish and drive strategic customer, channel partner and investor relationships, as well as identifying new technologies for the company to deploy and finance.
“Brightcore is fast-building a reputation in the provision of end-to-end clean energy solutions throughout the C&I market, which is making a significant difference in the performance of its customers’ buildings and operations. This is an opportune time for me to join the organization, as I believe my background and experience in both finance and clean energy will help the company enhance its solutions, further expand in the marketplace and positively impact the environment,” Berkenfeld said.
Berkenfeld is a seasoned industry veteran within both the clean energy and finance industries, spending more than 30 years at Lehman Brothers/Barclays Capital. Most recently, he served as a managing director in investment banking for Barclays Capital for 11 years. In this role, he was a senior sponsor of its Social Impact Banking Initiative and co-headed the firm’s Cleantech Initiative. He also led the banking effort for emerging industrial technology companies. Previously, he was a managing director at Lehman Brothers where he spent 22 years in various senior roles including chief investment officer of the private equity division, chairman of the Transaction Approval Committee, and head of the Legal, Compliance and Audit departments.
From 2012-2018, Berkenfeld also was a board member and chair of the Sierra Club Foundation, a non-profit entity whose mission is to promote efforts to educate and empower people to protect and improve the natural and human environment. Brightcore Energy President Mike Richter, served on the Foundation’s board during Berkenfeld’s term.
“I look forward to working closely with Steven once again in his new position with Brightcore. I have deep respect and admiration for his commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, which bodes well for Brightcore’s business operations and future. We look forward to the contributions Steven will make in his new role,” said Richter.
Rob Krugel, co-founder and co-chief executive officer at Brightcore, worked with Berkenfeld for more than 10 years at Lehman Brothers. “Steven’s 30+ year career in finance and clean energy, including his extensive network and relationships with real estate owners, technology providers, investors and policy makers, will further strengthen our opportunity to deploy and finance energy efficiency and renewable projects for C&I customers, in a scalable and efficient manner. We welcome him to the team.”
Berkenfeld earned a Juris Doctorate from Columbia Law School and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial and labor relations from Cornell University. He resides in Melville, N.Y.