Natel Energy has appointed Yves Rannou as Executive Chairperson and named Steve Wright to its Board of Directors as part of leadership changes aimed at supporting global expansion in hydropower modernization and environmental compliance.
Natel Energy is a technology and engineering company focused on FishSafe™ hydro turbine design. The company said the appointments are intended to support work related to grid modernisation and regulatory requirements in the US and the EU.
Rannou previously served on Natel’s board from 2021 to 2023 and contributed to the company’s expansion in Europe. He has more than 25 years of experience in energy and heavy industry, including roles as President and CEO of GE Renewable Energy’s Hydro division and Executive Vice President at SUEZ. In his new role, he will oversee strategic direction, partnerships, and capital development.
“I am returning to Natel because I see a massive opportunity for hydropower owners globally,” commented Rannou. “Facing aging fleets and tightening regulations to preserve biodiversity, utilities need a modernisation solution that extends the life of their investment and responsibly contributes to their communities. By transforming compliance from a cost center into a competitive advantage, high-performance FishSafe™ turbines extend asset life and maximize generation capacity, ensuring long-term asset value.”
Wright previously served as Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration for 12 years and later as General Manager of Chelan Public Utility District. His experience includes hydroelectric generation, electricity marketing, grid operations, and fisheries protection. The company said this background will support its work in flexible hydropower generation in the United States.
“Throughout my career in the electric utility industry I have experienced firsthand the tension between maximizing generation and protecting the environment,” said Wright. “Natel’s technology is changing the dynamic from win-lose to win-win. Natel technology is hitting the market at a time when there are tremendous societal needs for reliable, affordable electricity and strong environmental protection.”
Gia Schneider, Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer, commented: “Natel is at an exciting inflection point. Yves’ return as Executive Chairperson and Steve’s arrival on the Board provide us with unparalleled experience in both global industrial scaling and US power operations. Their leadership will be instrumental as we deploy our technology to modernise the grid and restore river ecosystems.”
The leadership changes coincide with the departure of CEO Bill Malus, who is stepping down after 18 months. The company acknowledged his contributions during a period of growth.
To support the transition, Gregor Cadman has been named Interim President. Cadman joined Natel in 2018 as Director of Engineering and currently serves as Chief Operating Officer. He will oversee engineering, technology, and finance functions during the transition.
Natel said it will continue focusing on turbine designs intended to support modernisation of existing hydropower assets while meeting environmental compliance requirements. The company states its FishSafe™ turbines are designed to reduce the need for generation-limiting screens or spill and have been validated through installations in the United States and Europe.
Natel Energy is a privately held company based in Alameda, California.
