BrightSource Energy recruits trio of energy veterans to its management team

August 16, 2011
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

BrightSource Energy has welcomed Joe Desmond as senior VP of government affairs and communications, Stephen Wiley as senior VP of US development and Yasser Dib as regional VP of international business development to its executive management team. Between them, the three new recruits hold nearly 60 years of experience in the energy sector.

Desmond, a 20-year veteran of the private and public energy sector, will manage the communications, marketing and government and regulatory affairs for BrightSource. He joins the company after working as executive VP and chief marketing and business development officer at Ice energy and senior VP of external affairs at NorthernStar Natural Gas. During former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s office term, Desmond served in various executive roles, including Deputy Secretary of Energy for the State Resources Agency, chairman of the CEC and undersecretary for Energy Affairs.   Past work engagements additionally include time as president and CEO of Infotility, president and CEO of Electronic Lighting and VP of Parke Industries.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Wiley will serve as the main liaison for all US development activities, including managing the site selection, permitting, development and delivery of utility-scale solar projects. Like Desmond, he holds over 20-years of energy experience, including service as president to both Gallop Power and Greenhunter Renewable Energy. Wiley has served in different management roles at Gamesa Energy, TIP Strategies, Reliant Energy and Dynegy, while also working for the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

Before his appointment with BrightSource, Dib worked as chief investment officer at Amwal International Investment Company.  He brings his 20-year experience in project finance and development to the company so that he can oversee the development of industrial and enhanced oil recovery markets. Dib has served as chief investment officer at Al Ritaj Investment Company and in senior management positions for Alghanim Industries, DIB, Bechtel Financing Services and Bechtel Corporation.

“By adding Joe, Stephen and Yasser to our world-class management team, we’re gaining decades of private and public sector energy industry experience,” said John Woolard, president and CEO, BrightSource Energy, Inc. “I look forward to working with our new team members as we build on the company’s many accomplishments and continue setting the bar globally for the utility-scale solar industry.”

Read Next

April 28, 2026
US utility Georgia Power filed a request with the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) seeking 2,000MW – 6,000MW of new dispatchable capacity resources in the state.
April 28, 2026
Cox has finalised its acquisition of Iberdrola Mexico, bringing a renewable energy pipeline of 12GW into its portfolio.
April 28, 2026
Prospective solar wafer manufacturer Sunwafe has appointed a new CEO and secured permits for a 30-hectare site in northern Spain, in efforts to establish Europe’s “first” large-scale, 20GW silicon ingot and wafer production facility.
April 28, 2026
Data centres have emerged as the primary driver of electricity demand growth for utility Origin Energy in Australia.
April 27, 2026
Social media tech giant Meta has signed an agreement to procure power from space-based solar power startup, Overview Energy.
April 27, 2026
The NYSERDA has launched an onshore solicitation programme to supporting the development of onshore wind, solar, and hydroelectric projects. 

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Webinars
May 27, 2026
9am BST / 10am CEST
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 3, 2026
National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai)
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
November 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain