US cleantech business Capstone Green Energy has hired Mark Funaki as general counsel as it seeks to strengthen the company following its emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings late last year.

Funaki most recently worked as GC at JAFRA Cosmetics International. Capstone said Funaki’s appointment follows “an extensive and deliberate search for candidates who possessed a proven track record leading in-house legal and compliance functions for both private and public companies”.

California-based Capstone Green Energy makes microturbine technology, allowing businesses to generate on-site electricity with low emissions.

Vince Canino, Capstone’s new president and CEO, said: “It is always exciting to bring an energetic leader on board who will fit right in with our already dynamic team. We welcome Mark and his acumen to the Capstone family. His extensive experience and forward-looking approach will be invaluable assets as we charter our next chapter of growth.”

Funaki spent more than two decades at JAFRA, 17 years of which as GC leading its global legal department on matters including M&A, market entry, high-stakes litigation and corporate governance. He originally joined as associate GC from Hawaiian firm Cades Schutte, where he was an associate covering corporate finance and real estate. 


Since leaving the GC role at JAFRA in 2022, he has been a board member at JAFRA parent company and household appliance-maker Vorwerk, serving as counsel to its senior executive team.

He said: “I am honoured to join Capstone and eager to contribute to the company’s continued success. I look forward to collaborating with the team and further supporting Capstone’s strategic objectives while ensuring legal compliance is uncompromised. I’ve always enjoyed fostering a culture of innovation and integrity, and it’s exciting to see how that already exists here.”

Capstone was forced into Chapter 11 proceedings last September as it struggled to repay its debts. It emerged from bankruptcy in December following the restructuring of the business, having reduced its debt and raised $7m in new financing. Katten Muchin Rosenman served as legal counsel during the Chapter 11 proceedings.

Earlier this week, Scottish energy transition tech business ENODA hired former Siemens GC Aniela Foster-Turner as its first legal head. And last month, US sustainable battery leader Cirba hired Jake Wilson as its chief legal officer from lithium producer Albemarle.