Leadership
The New Power and Data Leadership team comprises the best leaders in Houston with distinct backgrounds and years of real-world deal experience, project management, building and construction management, data centers sales and leasing, and power plant design and development.
Brian Royce
CEO
Technologist, Entrepreneur, Business Leader
Brian Royce, a seasoned technologist with over 35 years of experience, serves as Managing Member of New Power and Data. With a proven track record as a dynamic leader, Brian brings extensive expertise in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), power and data center development, and strategic business growth. His dual proficiency in technical innovation and business strategy has positioned him as a trusted advisor to legal teams and a visionary in the industry.
Brian’s leadership is marked by his ability to drive transformative business initiatives, lead high-performing sales teams, and forge lucrative partnerships through exceptional negotiation skills. His M&A experience, coupled with a deep understanding of contracts and sales, has enabled him to consistently surpass corporate revenue goals while cultivating long-term client relationships. A problem-solver at heart, Brian excels at identifying operational bottlenecks and implementing innovative, scalable solutions.
With a career spanning over 1,000 projects, Brian’s portfolio includes investment banking, payment processing, data center development and leasing, and cutting-edge computer technology. His technical expertise encompasses the design and implementation of data centers, power plants, hosting environments, and software systems. As a thought leader, Brian has delivered lectures and continuing education seminars on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrencies, provided expert testimony in multiple jurisdictions, and recently presented at Rice University on the future of AI data centers and power management.
Prior to founding New Power and Data, Brian held leadership roles at Texas Technology Group and operated Royce Global, a niche business advisory firm. A member of the Rotary Club of Houston and a lifetime member of the NRA, Brian is deeply committed to community engagement and industry advancement. With his unparalleled blend of CEO experience, M&A acumen, and technical prowess, Brian Royce continues to drive New Power and Data’s mission to innovate and lead in the power and data center industry.
Eric Geppert
COO
Distinguished M&A Attorney, Thought Leader, Philanthropist
Eric Geppert is an accomplished corporate attorney with over 35 years of experience in acquisitions, joint ventures, finance, governance, and complex contracts. As General Counsel for New Power and Data, Eric leverages his extensive expertise to guide the company through strategic transactions and legal frameworks, ensuring robust governance and operational success.
Eric’s distinguished career includes serving as General Counsel for a Nasdaq-listed company and an investor-backed private company, as well as a Partner in an AmLaw 20 global law firm. In 2024, he co-founded AcumenX, a boutique financial, legal, and operational advisory firm, alongside two former Big4 accounting firm Partners. He is also active with Royce Global, providing transaction advisory services, and serves as Managing Director and Head of Corporate, Mergers, and Acquisitions at Exemplar Companies. Additionally, Eric is the Founder and President of Red Peak Legal Advisors, further showcasing his leadership in the legal and advisory space.
A passionate philanthropist, Eric founded the Geoffrey Allen Geppert Memorial Fund Charitable Trust in 2017, managing impactful initiatives such as the Memorial Staircase at Swan Field, Haverford College, the Haverford College Men’s Lacrosse Annual Geoff Geppert Alumni Games, and NYC Marathon fundraisers for Harlem Lacrosse. He is an active supporter of the 15 For Life Foundation and has a long history of pro bono work, including governance and contract support for organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Urban Alliance, and SurvJustice, among others.
Eric has been a prominent figure in the Association of Corporate Growth, contributing to dealmakers of the year events and charity golf tournaments. A recognized thought leader, he has authored articles and delivered lectures on mergers and acquisitions and corporate governance. Eric earned his J.D. from The George Washington University National Law Center and his B.S. from Ithaca College’s Roy Park School of Communications.
With his deep legal acumen, strategic insight, and commitment to community impact, Eric Geppert is a vital asset to New Power and Data, driving the company’s legal and strategic initiatives with precision and vision.
Richard Heien
Senior VP
Engineering and Construction
Construction and Power Engineering, Industry Leader, Innovator
Richard Heien is a seasoned energy industry leader with over 40 years of experience in the development, acquisition, construction, operations, and financing of complex energy assets. As the Senior VP Engineering and Construction of New Power and Data, he brings a distinguished career marked by leadership in power generation and innovative engineering solutions, having been directly involved in the completion of over USD $6 billion in operating facilities and the development of more than 4 GW of independent power projects worldwide.
Mr. Heien’s career includes a pivotal role as Vice President of Enron Engineering & Construction Company, where he played a key part in building power plants and advancing the company’s global energy portfolio. His expertise in power generation was further honed as President and principal owner of Northern Engineering, Inc., a Houston-based firm with 300 professionals providing consulting, engineering, and turnkey installation services for process and power generation facilities.
A serial entrepreneur and innovator, Mr. Heien served as principal advisor to MaxEn Capital Advisors Ltd., which he helped form in 2003, and was Co-Founder and President of MaxWest Environmental Systems, Inc. in 2007, focusing on sustainable energy solutions. Currently, he leads Parrotia Technologies, LLC, continuing to drive advancements in the energy sector.
With a proven track record of delivering large-scale, high-impact projects, Mr. Heien’s technical expertise, strategic vision, and leadership in power plant development and energy asset management are instrumental in advancing New Power and Data’s mission to deliver cutting-edge power and data center solutions.
Robert Eckels
Senior VP
Government Affairs
Judge, Lawyer, Community Leader
Judge Robert Eckels is a distinguished leader with a national reputation for expertise in transportation, public finance, public-private partnerships (P3), crisis management, disaster preparation, response and recovery, homeland security, education, and health care. With a career spanning public service, corporate governance, and transformative infrastructure projects, he brings unparalleled problem-solving experience to large-scale initiatives.
Eckels served six terms in the Texas State Legislature before being elected County Judge of Harris County, where he earned national acclaim for his leadership during Hurricane Katrina. As County Judge, he oversaw the conversion of the Astrodome and Reliant Park into the largest shelter operation in U.S. history, providing refuge for a quarter of a million people displaced by the storm. His innovative approach to crisis management also led to the creation of the Houston TranStar Transportation and Emergency Operations Center, a vital resource for coordinating disaster response and protecting residents during emergencies.
A key figure in transportation innovation, Judge Eckels is a founder and director of Texas Central Railway, the company spearheading the development, design, construction, financing, and operation of the Texas Bullet Train—a high-speed passenger rail connecting the Dallas Metroplex and Greater Houston. His strategic vision and expertise in public-private partnerships have been instrumental in advancing this groundbreaking project.
Eckels has served on advisory committees to President George W. Bush and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, contributing to national policies on security and disaster preparedness. His extensive experience on the boards of publicly traded and private companies has equipped him with deep knowledge of corporate governance, stakeholder engagement, and shareholder issues. He regularly advises clients on litigation, negotiation, planning, risk management, and compliance, leveraging his ability to navigate complex challenges with precision and foresight.
Judge Robert Eckels’ leadership, rooted in public service and enriched by his contributions to transformative infrastructure and crisis management, drives progress and innovation at New Power and Data.