Eric Wanless

Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet

Managing Director

Mr. Wanless is the Managing Director of Innovation at the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, a new institution anchored by The Rockefeller Foundation, Ikea Foundation, and Bezos Earth Fund to accelerate and scale equitable, low-carbon energy transitions in low- and middle-income countries. He focuses on harnessing cost, performance, and business model disruptions in the power sector to improve the well-being of people everywhere. Prior to joining the Alliance Mr. Wanless co-founded and led the Africa Energy Program at Rocky Mountain Institute. He has collaborated with governments, utilities, and the private sector across Africa, the United States, and China to improve the reach, reliability, economics, and environmental impact of energy systems and to accelerate deployment of renewable energy resources. Mr. Wanless received a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Engineering and a Master of Science degree in Energy Engineering, both from Stanford University.