Followed by its recent board meeting on June 17th, Energy Systems Network (ESN), the industry-driven initiative, focused on clean technologies and energy innovation announced an expansion in is Board of Directors.
The new members to join the Indian-based initiative’s board are John Bear, President and CEO of Midwest ISO (MISO); Eizo Kobayashi, Chairman of the Board at ITOCHU Corporation; Norio Sasaki, President & CEO of Toshiba (News 
- Alert) Corporation; and Reuben Munger, Chairman & CEO of Bright Automotive.
In a press release, an ESN spokesperson said that ESN is currently focused on the projects involving the development and deployment of electric vehicle, development and deployment, smart grid and independent micro-grid storage systems, and advanced battery technologies.
According to ESN, the new Board members show growing interest in the initiative’s efforts that span across a vast energy ecosystem, representing two Global 200 corporations, an innovative start-up firm and a regional electricity transmission provider.
The newly inducted directors, all are believed share a common interest in the commercialization of new energy technologies.
“We’re fortunate to have a very active Board of Directors, and the organizations represented by these directors are involved in a wide range of ESN efforts. All will participate in our Project Plug-IN electric vehicle deployment initiative, while Toshiba, ITOCHU and MISO will also contribute to our smart grid, battery technology and grid storage projects. Bright Automotive will provide invaluable expertise in fleet electrification and vehicle-to-grid technology development. We look forward to starting or continuing productive engagements with all,” ESN President & CEO Paul Mitchell noted in a statement.
Kobayashi currently serves on the board of Japan Smart Community Alliance, a public-private collaborative alliance with over 623 members. He has also served as a Director of Nippon Venture Capital and Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd.
Munger has founded the cleantech investment firm, called Vision Ridge Partners, which boasts of an impressive portfolio of green building, breakthrough solar, and advanced automotive companies. He also serves as Chair of the Governing Board of Edvestors.
As CEO, Bear is leading MISO’s efforts to serve its customers through reliable market operations that meet the region’s energy resource needs while fostering innovation in the exploration of the region’s demand response and energy efficiency capabilities.
A Toshiba veteran, Sasaki held positions in nuclear energy systems, industrial power systems, and ultimately corporate executive positions including his current role as President & CEO.
“ESN is pleased to welcome these exceptional leaders to our ESN Board of Directors. They bring valuable and varied perspectives and a network of relationships that stretches across the globe. We’re very fortunate to have them join our effort to bring new energy innovations to market,” said ESN Board Chairman and President of Ivy Tech Community College (News - Alert) Thomas Snyder commented in a statement.
Madhubanti Rudra is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.Edited by
Rich Steeves
