# Bob Frenzel

> Bob Frenzel is chairman, president and CEO of Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy. A former U.S. Navy nuclear engineering officer, he worked in consulting, investment banking and electricity generation before joining Xcel as CFO in 2016. His current agenda combines grid expansion for new electricity demand, clean energy development, customer affordability and wildfire risk management.

- **Role:** Chairman, President and CEO at Xcel Energy
- **Organizations:** Xcel Energy, U.S. Navy, Arthur Andersen, Goldman Sachs, Energy Future Holdings, Luminant, Greater MSP, Minnesota Business Partnership, Edison Electric Institute, Nuclear Energy Institute, Institute of Nuclear Power Operations, Georgia Tech Advisory Board
- **Education:** Bachelor of Industrial Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Master of Business Administration, University of Chicago Booth School of Business, U.S. Navy Nuclear Power School
- **Known for:** Progressed through CFO, COO and CEO roles at Xcel Energy between 2016 and 2021., Led Xcel during the February 2026 announcement of an agreement to supply Google’s proposed Pine Island data center, with planned wind, solar and long-duration storage additions., Serves on regional economic-development and nuclear-industry boards.

## Career timeline

- **—** — Served six years in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear engineering officer and weapons officer, followed by Navy Reserve service and promotion to lieutenant commander.
- **—** — Worked as a manager and senior consultant at Arthur Andersen.
- **2002-2009** — Worked in Goldman Sachs investment banking, becoming vice president.
- **2009-2012** — Senior vice president for corporate development, strategy and mergers and acquisitions at Energy Future Holdings.
- **2012-2016** — Senior vice president and CFO of Luminant.
- **2016** — Joined Xcel Energy as executive vice president and CFO, effective May 3.
- **2020** — Became Xcel president and COO, effective March 31.
- **2021-08** — Succeeded Ben Fowke as Xcel president and CEO.
- **2021-12** — Added chairman of the Xcel Energy board.
- **2026-2027** — Listed as chair of the Georgia Tech Advisory Board.

## Achievements

- Progressed through CFO, COO and CEO roles at Xcel Energy between 2016 and 2021.
- Led Xcel during the February 2026 announcement of an agreement to supply Google’s proposed Pine Island data center, with planned wind, solar and long-duration storage additions.
- Serves on regional economic-development and nuclear-industry boards.

## Latest updates

- **2026-10** — Xcel proposed keeping Minnesota electric base rates flat for two years; the request requires regulatory approval.
- **2026-10** — Xcel announced proposed sales of its Michigan utility operations, subject to approvals, with closing expected in 2027.
- **2026-09** — Xcel proposed a Texas large-load tariff with long-term commitments, minimum monthly payments and exit provisions; approval is pending.
- **2026-06** — In a Platts interview, Frenzel discussed Xcel’s renewable-resource geography and potential data center demand.
- **2026-04** — Spoke at Minnesota Carlson on April 7 and Semafor World Economy on April 14.
- **2026-02** — Xcel and Google announced the Pine Island data center energy agreement.

## Links

- Website: https://corporate.my.xcelenergy.com/s/about/leadership-governance/company/frenzel
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-frenzel-a0a4a6bb

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/bob-frenzel
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-21