From Krispy Kreme to ByteDance - big brand names are adding new legal talent to their rosters.
John Rogovin has joined ByteDance Ltd., the parent company of TikTok, as the new Global General Counsel, following his decade-long tenure as Chief Legal Officer at Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. His appointment comes as ByteDance faces a critical lawsuit against the US government over legislation requiring the company to sell its TikTok stake or risk a ban, amid concerns over its Chinese connections. ByteDance disputes the law as a First Amendment violation. TikTok's CEO Shou Chew expressed confidence in Rogovin's ability to navigate these challenges. Rogovin succeeds Erich Andersen, who will continue as Special Counsel to ByteDance and report to CEO Liang Rubo.
Rob Berntsen has been appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal and Compliance Officer at Xcel Energy, succeeding Amanda Rome, who held the position on an interim basis. With over two decades of experience in the energy sector, Berntsen brings extensive legal and business expertise, crucial for Xcel Energy's commitment to providing safe, reliable, and affordable service during its clean energy transition. Previously, Berntsen held senior roles at BHE Renewables, MidAmerican Energy Company, MISO, and the Iowa Utilities Board. He also served as a captain in the U.S. Army's JAG Corps, with a deployment to Iraq. His educational background includes a juris doctor from the University of Iowa and a Bachelor of Science from Georgetown University.