Natel Energy Announces Bill Malus as Chief Executive Officer

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Alameda, CA - June 26, 2024 — Natel Energy, a leader in hydro turbines designed for safe fish passage, announces the appointment of Bill Malus as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Bill brings more than 25 years of respected leadership experience in the hydropower industry and is poised to accelerate Natel’s growth.

Bill assumes the CEO role from Natel co-founder Gia Schneider, who has served as CEO since the company’s inception. Gia will transition to the role of Chief Commercial Officer while continuing to serve on the Board of Directors. Abe Schneider, who co-founded the company with Gia, will remain in his role of Chief Technical Officer. Gia and Abe will work closely with Bill to drive Natel's commercial growth and positive ecological impact.

“We are thrilled to welcome Bill Malus as the new CEO of Natel Energy,” said Gia Schneider. “Bill’s extensive experience in the hydropower industry will enable Natel to further scale its impact and more quickly achieve the vision of a planet where a reliable zero-carbon grid is balanced with a thriving natural environment.”

Bill Malus joins Natel Energy following his tenure as Business Development Executive for Utilities & Energy at Capgemini after previously serving as Senior Vice President & Chief Sales Officer for Voith Hydro North America, where he was also a member of the Board of Management. Prior to holding this position, Bill was President & CEO of Voith Hydro Canada and held the role of Chief Operating Officer at Voith Hydro, leading operations from Mississauga. His tenure at Voith Hydro was marked by significant accomplishments in advancing hydropower technologies and driving commercial growth across North America.

Bill’s commitment to advancing hydropower’s role in the energy transition is evidenced by his active participation in industry associations. He has served as Treasurer & Executive Board Member for Waterpower Canada and was an Executive Member of Canada’s National Electricity Roundtable.

“I am honored and excited to be joining the team at Natel," said Bill Malus. “Hydropower is a vital renewable energy source for our planet and this will only intensify as we move forward due to the rapid electrification needs around the globe. Natel Energy brings a critical dimension to the hydro industry: enhancing safe downstream fish passage through turbines while enabling plant modernization with minimal change to existing infrastructure. Not only are we supporting critical energy infrastructure, but we are also protecting the ecosystems that coexist with these hydropower facilities.”

Bill added, “Natel has grown tremendously under Gia and Abe’s leadership and I look forward to working side by side with them to accelerate adoption of Natel’s innovative FishSafe™ turbine designs.”

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As Natel Energy’s new CEO, Bill will focus on advancing the commercial growth of Natel's FishSafe™ turbine technology. This innovative technology has the potential to revolutionize the hydropower industry by ensuring the safe passage of fish through turbines, supporting healthy river ecosystems while generating renewable energy. Bill’s extensive commercial experience and industry relationships will be instrumental in advancing Natel’s mission to support healthy rivers, promote freshwater biodiversity, and decarbonize the grid.

For further information, please contact press@natelenergy.com

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