Ben Fowke is the former Chairman, President, and CEO of Xcel Energy, who led the company from August 2011 until his retirement in August 2021. With a strong background in finance and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the...

Ben Fowke is the former Chairman, President, and CEO of Xcel Energy, who led the company from August 2011 until his retirement in August 2021. With a strong background in finance and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Minnesota Duluth, Fowke has been pivotal in guiding Xcel Energy through significant growth and transition periods. Under his leadership, the company focused on performance-based compensation, aligning executive pay with the interests of shareholders and long-term sustainability. In 2021, his total compensation was notable, amounting to $12.78 million, mainly from stocks vested based on performance metrics that reflected the company’s strong operational goals. Fowke's strategies included enhancing environmental goals and improving operational efficiencies, directly reflecting his focus on both profitability and responsibility. He served in various leadership roles before becoming CEO, including as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer when he took on larger responsibilities overseeing Xcel Energy’s operating companies. Though he is no longer in charge, his impact on the energy sector remains significant, especially in areas of shareholder value and operational excellence.