Velocys announce Matthew Viergutz as CEO

Fischer Tropsch decarbonization solutions provider Velocys announced it has appointed Matthew Viergutz as the chief executive officer of the company.

Viergutz will be based out of the company’s Houston office and replaces outgoing CEO Henrik Wareborn.

“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. “Velocys operates in an exciting and growing market space and is supported by world-class investors,” he continued.  “I look forward to accelerating the deployment of our technology to our customer base as we work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the globe.”

The announcement comes nearly a year after the company went private after facing funding issues. To recall, Velocys in January 2024 announced it secured $40m capital from Carbon Direct Capital, GenZero, and Lightrock.

Velocys has been leading the development of catalyst and micro-channel reactor platform for projects that produce sustainable aviation fuel.

Velocys’ Fischer-Tropsch technology is compatible with multiple project types employing diverse feedstocks, including municipal solid waste, woody biomass, and CO2 & green hydrogen, and has demonstrated performance at commercial scale.

“Matthew brings entrepreneurial drive, industry acumen, and a track record of commercial execution,” commented Josh Dienstag, chief investment officer of Carbon Direct Capital. “We are delighted to welcome Matthew to the company especially at a time when demand for sustainable aviation fuel – and the key technologies that underpin its production – is accelerating.”