Natel Energy, a company specializing in hydro turbines designed for safe fish passage, has announced the appointment of Bill Malus as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Malus brings over 25 years of leadership experience in the hydropower industry. He takes over from Gia Schneider, Natel’s co-founder, who has been the CEO since the company’s inception. Schneider will now serve as Chief Commercial Officer and will remain on the Board of Directors. Abe Schneider, another co-founder, will continue as Chief Technology Officer. Both will collaborate with Malus to drive the company’s commercial growth and ecological initiatives.
“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.”
Malus joins Natel Energy after serving as Business Development Executive for Utilities & Energy at Capgemini. He has also held positions as Senior Vice President & Chief Sales Officer for Voith Hydro North America and President & CEO of Voith Hydro Canada. At Voith Hydro, he was Chief Operating Officer, overseeing operations in Mississauga. His career at Voith Hydro included significant advancements in hydropower technologies and commercial growth in North America.
Malus has been active in industry associations, serving as Treasurer & Executive Board Member for Waterpower Canada and as an Executive Member of Canada’s National Electricity Roundtable.
“I am honored and excited to be joining the team at Natel,” he said. “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.
“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.”
As CEO, Malus will focus on advancing the commercial growth of Natel’s FishSafe™ turbine technology, which aims to revolutionize the hydropower industry by ensuring the safe passage of fish through turbines. His extensive commercial experience and industry connections will be key in supporting Natel’s mission to promote healthy rivers, freshwater biodiversity, and grid decarbonization.
