Robert Lesnick

Robert M. Lesnick retired in 2017 after a distinguished career as an Executive Advisor to senior government officials and corporate leaders developing energy policy and infrastructure projects around the world. Over more than three decades, he built extensive international experience as an advisor, country manager, and lead negotiator for major energy infrastructure developments.

During his career, Robert conducted business in more than 100 international locations across 88 countries on six continents—adding the seventh shortly after retirement, when he joined a photographic expedition to Antarctica.

Mr. Lesnick earned a BS from Northern Arizona University and is a graduate of the inaugural Executive MBA program at Rice University’s Jones School of Business in 2000, where he was honored as a Jones Scholar. He remains an active member of the Rice Business Leadership Society.

In continued service to the business school, Robert has contributed as an adjunct professor and alumni board member. He also organized and moderated the alumni panel discussion “Live from Washington – Rice Grads Talk U.S. Government Pivot” for the April 2021 Rice Partners Webinar. In May 2022, he shared insights on international business negotiations as a guest on the Rice Business podcast, Owl Have You Know.

Robert and his wife, Bonnie, recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. They live near the National Zoo in Washington, DC, where they actively support the zoo and other Smithsonian institutions.