#United States #Houston #CEO #Velocys #Fischer Tropsch

Matthew Viergutz Appointed CEO of Velocys

In a significant development for the clean energy sector, Matthew Viergutz has been named the new Chief Executive Officer of Velocys, a prominent technology provider specializing in Fischer Tropsch decarbonization solutions. This transition comes as Velocys embarks on a new journey following its recent acquisition by a consortium of growth and climate investors. Evaluated as a leader in sustainable aviation fuel technologies, Velocys has made strides in its mission to combat greenhouse gas emissions globally.

Matthew Viergutz, who brings over 25 years of extensive experience in the chemical process industry, will be based at the company’s headquarters in Houston, Texas. He takes over the reins from Henrik Wareborn, who has left the position to explore other opportunities. Before joining Velocys, Viergutz held leadership roles in esteemed organizations such as Monsanto, DuPont, and MECS Inc. His unique track record includes serving as the CEO of Butamax Advanced Biofuels, a joint venture between DuPont and BP that successfully introduced a groundbreaking biofuels platform to the market.

“I am thrilled to be joining a leading Fischer Tropsch technology company with a rich tradition of innovation and reactor technology scale-up,” said Viergutz in reaction to his appointment. “Velocys operates in an exciting and expanding market space supported by some of the most formidable investors in the industry. I look forward to accelerating the deployment of our technology and making a significant impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.”

The recent hiring of Viergutz marks a pivotal chapter in Velocys’ evolution as a private growth entity. In January 2024, the company transitioned to private ownership, underlined by a successful capital infusion of over $40 million from investors such as Carbon Direct Capital, GenZero, and Lightrock. This financing is set to propel Velocys’ initiatives in developing innovative, sustainable fuels, especially aviation fuels.

At the core of Velocys’ innovation is its patented catalyst and micro-channel reactor platform, which is heralded for its efficiency and scalability. This technology is particularly advantageous for projects dedicated to synthesizing sustainable aviation fuels from various feedstocks, like municipal solid waste and woody biomass, and it is adaptable to utilizing green hydrogen for CO2 conversion processes.

Josh Dienstag, Chief Investment Officer of Carbon Direct Capital, expressed enthusiasm over Viergutz’s appointment, highlighting, “Matthew brings entrepreneurial drive, industry acumen, and a history of successful commercialization. We are particularly excited to welcome him at a time when demand for sustainable aviation fuel—and the pivotal technologies that facilitate its production—is on the rise.”

As the world increasingly shifts towards sustainability and clean energy solutions, Velocys aims to play an instrumental role in the transition toward a greener future. With Matthew Viergutz at the helm, the company is poised to enhance its contributions to environmental sustainability while achieving commercial growth in a rapidly evolving market.

This leadership change not only signifies Velocys' commitment to innovation and sustainability but also highlights the growing emphasis on eco-friendly technologies in the energy landscape. As industries and consumers alike continue to demand cleaner solutions, Velocys stands ready to meet the challenge head-on under Viergutz’s leadership.