David Searle
About David Searle
David Searle is the Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Sunnova Energy, with extensive legal and compliance experience from previous roles at Tesla, Walmart, and other prominent organizations.
Executive Vice President, General Counsel at Sunnova Energy
David Searle holds the position of Executive Vice President, General Counsel at Sunnova Energy. He commenced his tenure in 2023 and is based in Houston, Texas. In this role, he oversees legal matters and compliance strategies, contributing to the company’s operations in the renewable energy sector. Sunnova Energy is known for its innovative solutions in the solar energy market, and Searle’s experience in compliance and legal affairs supports the organization’s strategic goals.
Previous Role at Tesla
Prior to joining Sunnova Energy, David Searle served at Tesla in multiple capacities. From 2021 to 2022, he was the Acting Head of Legal and Corporate Secretary. Additionally, he held the position of Deputy General Counsel & Senior Director, Compliance during the same period. His responsibilities included overseeing legal compliance and corporate governance, ensuring Tesla’s operations aligned with regulatory standards. His tenure at Tesla was based in Austin, Texas.
Ethics and Compliance Leadership at Walmart
David Searle worked at Walmart from 2019 to 2021 as Vice President, Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer - International. During his two years in Bentonville, AR, he managed the company’s international ethics and compliance programs, ensuring that Walmart adhered to global regulatory requirements. His role was crucial in maintaining Walmart's reputation and operational integrity across its international markets.
Experience at Bristow Group
At Bristow Group, David Searle held significant roles in the legal department. He initially served as Chief Compliance Officer & Deputy General Counsel from 2014 to 2019, based in Houston, Texas. He briefly took on the role of Interim General Counsel in 2017. His responsibilities included overseeing compliance programs and guiding the company through complex legal landscapes, particularly in the aviation services industry.
Educational Background
David Searle's educational background includes a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Duke University School of Law, where he studied from 1999 to 2002. Before pursuing law, he completed a degree in Economics (A.B.) at Stanford University between 1997 and 1999. These academic achievements laid the foundation for his extensive career in law and compliance.