Berkeley, California, USA – New Energy Nexus announces today that social impact expert Henri van Eeghen will become CEO effective 15 August 2024. He will assume leadership from outgoing CEO Danny Kennedy, who, after eight years of service, shaped New Energy Nexus into the world’s leading organization supporting clean energy entrepreneurs.
Henri van Eeghen has extensive international experience, both in the private sector and as a director of non-profit organizations such as the Dutch development organization Cordaid, Mercy Corps, and the New York-based Synergos Institute, an international philanthropy network.
Henri van Eeghen, incoming CEO of New Energy Nexus.
“Danny and the New Energy Nexus team have built a global organization that is at the forefront of supporting entrepreneurs to address climate and energy challenges. I am deeply impressed by everything New Energy Nexus has achieved so far and am energized to lead it in its next stage of growth and impact,” said Henri van Eeghen, incoming CEO of New Energy Nexus.
“My priority will be to build on this success, leveraging my experience in forging collaboration between private and public sectors around the world, and navigating ways to expand our support for clean energy entrepreneurs in new geographies. I’m looking forward to working alongside our team in over a dozen countries, as well as our partners and donors who are so critical to our vision of 100% clean energy for 100% of the population.”
Henri van Eeghen brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to this role, with substantial experience setting up private and public joint ventures, as well as investment funds through his work with Cordaid, IFC, and Rabobank. He has lived and worked across Asia, Africa, and North America, and is currently based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, where he most recently served as CEO of KIT Royal Tropical Institute. In this role, he led the creation of deeply collaborative partnerships with institutes across Africa, Asia, and South America.
“After an extensive global search, we are delighted to welcome Henri van Eeghen as our incoming CEO at New Energy Nexus. Henri’s experience building businesses and organizations uniquely positions him as a champion of clean energy entrepreneurs,” said Julie Blunden, Chair of the Board.
“After Danny Kennedy’s tremendous success, New Energy Nexus is marking 20 years of accelerating the clean energy transition. Henri joins at a moment of great opportunity to rapidly grow the clean energy ecosystem New Energy Nexus has built. Our planet needs more businesses and startups driving inclusive climate solutions, and we are fortunate to have Henri’s experience and leadership.”
Henri assumes leadership of New Energy Nexus from Danny Kennedy, the outgoing CEO. In 2015, Danny accepted the role of Managing Director of the California Clean Energy Fund, which was renamed New Energy Nexus in 2018 to align with the expansion of its vision and mission around the world.
“New Energy Nexus, and its tremendous team and community, is poised for the next stage of growth and impact under Henri’s leadership. He will be supported by over 150 wonderful staff across the world, and I can’t wait to see what they achieve together,” said Danny Kennedy.
About New Energy Nexus
New Energy Nexus (NEX) is a non-profit organization that strives towards a 100% clean energy economy for 100% of the population. It does this with a laser focus on diverse entrepreneurs, supporting them with the accelerators, funds, skills, and networks they need to thrive.
NEX has accelerated over 1,200 startups, supported nearly 9,000 entrepreneurs, and mobilized over US$3.7 billion in investment. Celebrating 20 years since its founding in California in 2004, NEX now operates programs in: Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, Uganda, USA (California and New York), and Vietnam. Find out more: www.newenergynexus.com
Media contact:
Tristan Tremschnig, Global Communications & Marketing Director, New Energy Nexus, tristan.tremschnig@newenergynexus.com (based in San Francisco)
