Enerkem, the leading technology provider enabling low-carbon fuels and chemicals production from waste, has appointed Michel Chornet as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This follows a series of changes to prepare for the next phase of the company’s growth. Chornet, already a key member of Enerkem’s leadership team for many years, assumes the role with immediate effect. The appointment is natural, as Michel’s family founded Enerkem in 2000 with co-founders Esteban Chornet (his father) and Vincent Chornet (his late brother).
Michel brings over 25 years of experience in technology development, business development, plant start-ups, performance, financing activities, and growth management, as well as R&D. He has been with Enerkem for over 17 years in various leadership positions, notably heading business development activities and technology management.
Michel succeeds Dominique, who has steered Enerkem through pivotal milestones over the past seven years. Dominique first served as CFO of Enerkem before assuming the role of CEO in 2019. Under his leadership, Enerkem achieved significant milestones, including critical phases like the launch of Enerkem’s first-of-a-kind commercial project currently in construction, advancing multiple major projects, and securing strategic financial partnerships.
Reflecting on Dominique’s contributions, Michel expressed immense gratitude for his predecessor’s leadership and dedication. “Dominique has laid a robust foundation for Enerkem’s future success, and I am honored to build upon the foundation,” Michel remarked. “Dominique will forever be part of Enerkem’s journey, and we extend our heartfelt thanks for his contributions.”
Looking ahead, Michel emphasized Enerkem’s commitment to building upon its current achievements. “Our focus remains on accelerating commercialization efforts to help decarbonize the hard-to-abate sectors around the globe,” Michel noted. “We strongly believe we have the best available technology to decarbonize the maritime industry via our low carbon biomethanol, aviation via our best of class 2 generation SAF, and circular chemicals. I am very proud to lead the organization and our exceptional pool of talents as we embark on this new chapter and I am confident in our collective ability to achieve greatness.”
Founded in 2000, Enerkem commercializes its groundbreaking gasification technology transforming non-recyclable waste into biofuels, low-carbon fuels and circular chemicals for hard-to-abate sectors, including sustainable aviation and marine fuels. Its solution tackles both challenges of waste management and dependency on fossil fuel products while contributing to the development of a circular economy for a sustainable, net-zero-carbon future.
