Driving Energy Transition: A 20 for 20 Changemaker
Britta von Oesen MBA ’09, partner and managing director at CRC-IB
With over 15 years in the power sector, Britta von Oesen MBA ’09 has raised more than $15 billion to advance sustainable energy development. Specializing in transaction management, she has led financings, mergers, and acquisitions for utility-scale and distributed wind, solar, and storage projects worldwide.
One of few women in senior leadership in renewable energy finance, von Oesen received a 2020 C3E (Clean Energy Education and Empowerment) Law and Finance Award from the US Department of Energy and was named to the 2020 “Most Influential Women in Business” list in the San Francisco Business Times and Renewable Energy World’s “Solar 40 Under 40” list in 2018.
She is one of the 20 for 20 Notable Alumni honored in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Center for Sustainable Global Enterprise at the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business.
Learn more about von Oesen in this Q&A.
Passion and purpose
Q. What drives your commitment to environmental and/or social impact? What impact do you want to have in the world?
von Oesen: What drives me is the knowledge that every transaction has the potential to be a catalyst for lasting change; each deal closed is a step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. Energy is not just a commodity; it’s a powerful force for equity and progress. I am deeply committed to making clean, affordable energy accessible to all and to using my role in the industry to drive meaningful, measurable impact on both people and the planet.
Q. Envision the future of sustainability in your industry. What trend excites you and gives you hope for the future?
von Oesen: Mainstream support for renewable energy and sustainability continues to grow, transcending political shifts and gaining momentum across sectors. I find it especially energizing to see private markets, corporate initiatives, and consumer demand leading the charge. This collective effort is what truly accelerates the energy transition and drives meaningful, lasting change around the world.
Navigating career challenges
Q. Describe the biggest challenge you encountered as you built your career in sustainability and how you overcame it.
von Oesen: Upon graduating back in 2009, I faced a pivotal decision to either continue in banking outside of the renewable energy space or to remain in renewable energy but step away from banking. I decided to follow my passion for clean energy and committed to deepening my industry expertise. That decision proved to be the right one as renewable energy became a rapidly growing sector, and I was able to establish myself as a subject matter expert in renewable energy finance. Ultimately, I leveraged that expertise to build a successful banking business centered on the energy transition.
Lessons and leadership
Q. Can you share any insights or advice that may inspire current students who want to be sustainability leaders?
von Oesen: Don’t overlook the importance of building strong core business skills; they’re just as critical as your knowledge of sustainability or your chosen industry. These fundamentals give you the credibility and tools to influence decision-making and drive real impact. My advice is to stay curious, pursue what genuinely excites you, and don’t be afraid to carve your own path. Often, the most meaningful and rewarding opportunities come from pushing into uncharted territory and leading with passion and purpose.
Q. What are the most valuable things you learned at Cornell Johnson that have helped you in your career? Did any Cornell faculty members influence you on your chosen career path?
von Oesen: Both Roni Michaely, my Core Finance professor, and Mark Milstein, head of the Center for Sustainable Global Enterprise, played pivotal roles in shaping my career. At the time, few students in the SGE program were pursuing investment banking, but both professors recognized my potential and the opportunity ahead. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to take that less-traveled path. I’m certain I wouldn’t be where I am today without their insight, support, and belief in my vision.