Vanguard Renewables names new CEO

Vanguard Renewables, an organics to renewable energy company based in Boston, has announced the appointment of Neil H. Smith as its new CEO. 

According to a news release from Vanguard, Smith is the former president and CEO of InterGen, an international energy company. Under his leadership, InterGen became a multi-billion-dollar operating and development company specializing in the development, ownership and operation of power generation spanning more than 20 countries in regulated and deregulated markets. Smith played a role in the financing, construction and operation of more than $15 billion in development projects, including more than 25 power plants and related infrastructure. 

“I am thrilled to be part of a team that will continue to develop renewable, low-carbon solutions to growing U.S. energy needs using the significant untapped resource of America’s organic waste streams,” Smith says. “My longstanding experience in leading accelerated growth to successful outcomes for all stakeholders will enable me to contribute greatly to Vanguard’s future.”

Before becoming InterGen CEO, Smith served as the company’s first COO. He has served on the board of John Wood Group PLC and the PJM board of managers. Smith holds a bachelor’s in political science from Emory University and a master’s from Harvard Business School. 

“Combining Vanguard Renewables’ pole position as the leading developer and operator of projects which convert organic waste into renewable natural gas with Neil’s proven transformational track record will be a powerful combination for years to come,” says George Polk, chairman of Vanguard Renewables.

Polk says Vanguard is expanding and looks to invest about $2.5 billion in 150 anaerobic digester projects across 30 states. The goal is to generate renewable natural gas for utilities and major corporations to meet their renewable energy goals.

“Neil’s decision to join the Vanguard team is a validation of the importance of our vision and the success of our work until now,” says John Hanselman, founder and chief strategy officer of Vanguard Renewables. “Neil understands the need to advance a critical path to decarbonization, and his track record of delivering on ambitious promises fits well in the Vanguard culture.”