CLASP and its Board of Directors are thrilled to welcome Joyita Mukherjee as their new Board Chair. Mukherjee joined the CLASP Board in 2020, bringing three decades of expertise in climate finance and sustainable development. This transition comes on the heels of CLASP’s 25th anniversary year (2024) and following 25 years of service as Board Chair by Dr. Stephen Wiel, CLASP’s founder. Dr. Wiel will continue serving on the Board.

25 Years of Service 

Dr. Stephen Wiel has stepped down as Chair of the CLASP Board of Directors following over 25 years of dedicated stewardship and vision. Wiel’s commitment to CLASP has been pivotal to the institution’s growth and evolution.

“I cannot overstate the impact of Steve Wiel’s contributions over CLASP’s 25-year history,” shares Christine Egan, CLASP CEO. “As CLASP’s founder, Steve set the original vision that emerging energy markets should develop as efficiently as possible – and that partnership and collaboration would be the key principles to make this vision a reality.  In this way, Steve set the tone not just for CLASP’s work, but for our culture. On a more personal note, Steve’s partnership and mentorship profoundly shaped me as a leader, sharpening my focus on what truly matters—for both the organization and its people—and instilling in me a deep, unwavering commitment to excellence and impact.”

“I’m proud of CLASP’s impact, stemming from the efforts of so many talented individuals that collectively dedicated their time and passion to a more efficient, sustainable future,” notes Dr. Wiel. “We have stayed true to CLASP’s key values while continuing to evolve to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world. I’m especially proud of CLASP’s demonstration of what an organization can do so successfully with collaboration as its core value.”

Wiel will remain actively involved in CLASP’s governance – continuing to serve on the board and contributing as a vital source of institutional knowledge.

CLASP’s Next Phase 

CLASP’s Board of Directors has elected Joyita Mukherjee to take on the role of Chair. Mukherjee steps into the position with three decades of expertise in climate finance and international development, with roles at the International Finance Corporation and World Bank focused on private sector development, micro finance, social entrepreneurship, blended finance, and renewable energy and energy efficiency. She currently serves as the Managing Director of CoolPact Capital, India’s first dedicated venture capital fund focused exclusively on sustainable cooling technologies. Mukherjee joined the Board in 2020 and has served on the finance and strategic planning committees.

“The CLASP Board of Directors is thrilled to welcome Joyita Mukherjee as our new Chair,” shares Rose Mutiso, CLASP Board member and Research Director at Energy for Growth Hub. “CLASP will benefit tremendously from her deep experience at the intersection of emerging markets, development finance, and climate change. More than that, she brings an open, thoughtful approach and steady, incisive leadership that has already proven invaluable over her five years on the Board — qualities that are especially vital as we navigate a rapidly shifting global landscape.”

“I am honored to partner with Christine and her team in advancing CLASP’s vital mission,”said Mukherjee. “Efficient appliances sit at the critical nexus of energy access, climate resilience, and economic development. I am excited and committed to building on Steve’s remarkable foundation and expanding CLASP’s distinctive approach to bring practical, scalable solutions to communities worldwide that improve people’s lives and benefit our planet.”

CLASP is grateful to all Board members past and present for devoting their time and expertise.

Check out CLASP’s 2024 Annual Report and 25 Years of Impact brochure.