The global technology, legal, and renewable energy communities are mourning the unexpected passing of Sebastian Kurian, the Chief Legal Officer of Rowan Digital Infrastructure, a Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners platform company. Kurian’s sudden death has left a deep void in the fields of corporate law, digital infrastructure, and sustainability. He was not only a highly respected legal strategist but also a beloved husband, father, and friend whose impact extended far beyond his professional achievements.
A Visionary at Rowan Digital Infrastructure
In November 2023, Sebastian Kurian joined Rowan Digital Infrastructure, where he quickly became a cornerstone of the leadership team. Rowan develops sustainability-focused hyperscale data centers across the United States, prioritizing efficiency, renewable energy integration, and cutting-edge infrastructure design.
As Chief Legal Officer, Kurian oversaw the company’s legal strategy, guiding complex matters such as real estate acquisition, financing, development, operations, and regulatory compliance. His work was instrumental in shaping Rowan’s long-term vision of building green data centers that balance innovation with environmental responsibility.
His sudden passing has been described as a “tremendous loss” not only for Rowan Digital Infrastructure but also for the broader industry. Colleagues have praised him as a brilliant mind whose leadership helped drive progress in areas that are critical to the future of digital infrastructure.
A Distinguished Career at Global Technology Giants
Prior to Rowan, Kurian built a remarkable career with some of the world’s largest and most influential technology companies, including Google and Amazon Web Services (AWS).
At Google, he spent over six years in senior legal roles, most recently as Senior Counsel, where he provided legal and strategic support for global data center site selection, acquisition, development, power procurement, operations, and sustainability initiatives. His work included negotiating renewable energy contracts, shaping corporate carbon removal strategies, and supporting Google’s ambitious goal to operate entirely on carbon-free energy.
Before his tenure at Google, Kurian served as Corporate Counsel at Amazon Web Services, where he made history as the company’s first dedicated utilities lawyer. At AWS, he was responsible for addressing the company’s global energy infrastructure and supply needs. He played a pivotal role in establishing AWS’s initial renewable energy power purchase agreements, paving the way for Amazon to become one of the world’s largest buyers of renewable energy.
Across both Amazon and Google, Kurian was credited with closing nearly 10 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy power purchases and financing agreements across five continents, a milestone that significantly advanced the renewable energy transition. His contributions supported the delivery of multiple hyperscale data center campuses—projects that continue to power the digital economy relied upon by billions of people worldwide.
Early Legal Foundation and Industry Expertise
Sebastian Kurian’s path to becoming one of the most respected legal figures in digital infrastructure began with early roles in the legal and construction industries.
- He served as Assistant General Counsel at Clark Construction Group, one of the oldest and largest civil construction firms in the United States.
- He later practiced as a commercial real estate, construction, and transactional finance attorney at AmLaw 200 law firms, including Goulston & Storrs, where he honed his skills in complex deal-making, project finance, and corporate law.
These experiences provided the foundation for Kurian’s career-long expertise in energy law, infrastructure development, and corporate governance.
Education, Training, and Recognition
Kurian’s academic journey was as distinguished as his professional career. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and later from the University of Maryland School of Law, earning honors in both institutions. Dedicated to lifelong learning, he pursued advanced executive programs including:
- Yale University’s Financing and Deploying Clean Energy Certificate Program
- UC Berkeley Law’s General Counsel University Program
His excellence did not go unnoticed. In 2019, the Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA) named him a Rising Star, recognizing his leadership and influence as a diverse voice in corporate law. Additionally, he previously held a Top Secret (SCI) federal security clearance, underscoring the high level of trust placed in his expertise in sensitive projects.
A Family Man with a Passion for Life
While Kurian’s professional resume was extraordinary, he was equally admired for his life outside of work. Residing near Seattle, Washington, he shared his life with his wife, their son, and two beloved dogs.
Friends and family recall his love for outdoor activities, fitness, travel, and sports. He was an enthusiastic supporter of his hometown teams—the Baltimore Ravens in football and the Baltimore Orioles in baseball. Those who knew him personally describe him as warm, approachable, and deeply caring, someone who carried as much passion into his personal life as he did into his career.
Legacy and Impact
The sudden passing of Sebastian Kurian is a heartbreaking loss. At just the height of his career, he had already left an indelible mark on the industries of law, technology, energy, and infrastructure. His contributions to renewable energy development, hyperscale data centers, and corporate sustainability will continue to shape the future for years to come.
Kurian’s life is a reminder of the profound impact that one individual can have on global industries and on the people who work alongside him. He will be remembered as:
- A trailblazer in renewable energy law and infrastructure development.
- A dedicated leader at Rowan Digital Infrastructure.
- A mentor and inspiration to legal professionals across the globe.
- A beloved husband, father, and friend who cherished family and community.
As his family, colleagues, and the broader industry grieve this sudden loss, Sebastian Kurian’s legacy lives on in the projects he built, the clean energy initiatives he pioneered, and the lives he touched.