Bloom Energy CEO Recalls Advice from Former Intel CEO During 2009 Crisis

In 2009, Bloom Energy faced challenges in scaling its manufacturing operations. CEO K.R. Sridhar, who had no prior experience in manufacturing, sought guidance from former Intel CEO Andy Grove. Grove advised Sridhar to consult employees on the production floor to understand the problems.

According to Sridhar, Grove dismissed reviewing detailed binders and instead emphasized direct interaction with staff. Grove stated that employees building the products would know what was not working. Sridhar described this advice as a lasting lesson he has applied since.

Sridhar's Professional Background K.R.

Sridhar began his career in engineering after witnessing the 1970s oil embargo's effects in India. D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. From 1990 to 1999, Sridhar served as a professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering at the University of Arizona, directing the Space Technologies Laboratory.

He advised NASA on technologies for converting Mars' atmospheric gases into oxygen and led research contracts for Mars exploration.

In 2001, Sridhar co-founded Ion America, which focused on clean and reliable energy. The company relocated to NASA Ames Research Center in 2002 and was renamed Bloom Energy in 2006. Bloom Energy has deployed over 1.5 gigawatts of low-carbon power in more than 1,200 global installations, sufficient to power about one million average U.S. homes.

The company reported revenue of $2.02 billion in 2025, a 37.3% increase from $1.47 billion in 2024. Sridhar has built relationships with business leaders, including FedEx founder Fred Smith, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, and the late Tata Group leader Ratan Naval Tata.

He credited Grove's 2009 advice with contributing to the company's progress despite past profitability struggles.