Berkeley, California, USA – New Energy Nexus announces today the appointment of two clean energy and international development leaders, Peter du Pont and Richenda Van Leeuwen, to its Board of Directors. These strategic additions to the board bring decades of combined experience in clean energy finance, policy, and entrepreneurship across global markets, further strengthening New Energy Nexus’s mission to support diverse entrepreneurs building a 100% clean energy economy.

Peter du Pont, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Asia Clean Energy Partners

Peter du Pont is Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Asia Clean Energy Partners, an Asia-based international consultancy providing services and solutions for clients in the development and business sectors. Based in Bangkok, Dr. du Pont brings over 30 years of experience developing sustainable energy and climate programs across the U.S. and Asia. His expertise spans technical, policy, and market assessments, with deep connections to major development institutions including USAID, Asian Development Bank, as well as to clean energy and impact investors in the Asia region. He also co-founded the Private Financing Advisory Network (PFAN) in Asia in 2009 and continues to serve as its Asia Regional Coordinator.

“The entrepreneurial ecosystem is a driving force behind clean energy innovation, particularly in emerging markets,” said Peter du Pont. “I’m honored to join New Energy Nexus at this critical moment when the need to rapidly scale up innovative and investable climate solutions has never been more urgent. I look forward to helping expand the organization’s impact across Asia and beyond, connecting entrepreneurs with the resources they need to scale impactful solutions.”

Richenda Van Leeuwen, President of Hummingbird Green Solutions

Richenda Van Leeuwen is President of Hummingbird Green Solutions. Her career includes many years of leadership roles focused on sustainable energy for sustainable development, renewable energy investing and entrepreneurship at organizations including senior roles at the Aspen Institute, RMI, the United Nations Foundation, the Global LPG Partnership, and Good Energies across Africa, the Americas and Asia.  She brings expertise in commercial renewable energy investments, impact investing, particularly in energy access solutions for emerging economies, climate finance and entrepreneurship.

“Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed firsthand how entrepreneurial approaches can transform challenges into opportunities for local sustainable development,” said Richenda Van Leeuwen. “New Energy Nexus has built an impressive global platform that nurtures diverse talent and innovative business models. I’m excited to contribute to its next chapter, and support significant contributions to both sustainable development and climate goals.”

These strategic appointments come after Henri van Eeghen assumed the role of CEO in August 2024, leading New Energy Nexus in its next stage of growth and impact.

“Peter and Richenda bring invaluable expertise and networks that will help us deepen our support for entrepreneurs in key markets and strengthen our partnerships across the public and private sectors,” said Henri van Eeghen, CEO of New Energy Nexus. “Their combined experience in Asia, Africa, and global institutions aligns perfectly with our strategy to scale our impact and unlock greater capital for diverse founders building climate solutions.

“We also thank outgoing Board members Julia Blunden and Chia-Lin Simmons for their invaluable work, expertise, and advice over the years.”

“We are absolutely delighted with the addition of Peter and Richenda to our Board,” said Board co-chairs Ian Rogoff and Janet Dalziell. “As we move into our next phase, these appointments position us to significantly accelerate our work toward a 100% clean energy economy for 100% of the world’s population.”