Movers + Shakers:

MSU, MarinaTex, USDA Forest Service, Verv, and E-CUBE Announce Key Appointments

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Pouyan Nejadhashemi Named Director of MSU Institute of Water Research

Michigan State University (MSU) has appointed Professor Pouyan Nejadhashemi as the Director of the Institute of Water Research (IWR). Nejadhashemi, an expert in ecohydrology, will also continue his roles as a professor in the Departments of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering and Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences. His research, known globally, focuses on water use, ecological systems, and the application of machine learning to monitor water contaminants like PFAS in Michigan’s drinking water. Nejadhashemi’s appointment follows substantial grants from state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Geological Survey, positioning MSU to continue driving collaboration for water-related challenges across the Great Lakes region and beyond.


Craig Sterling Appointed CEO of MarinaTex

Craig Sterling has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of MarinaTex, a pioneering company in marine-derived biomaterials designed to replace single-use plastics. With over three decades of leadership in scaling companies through critical growth stages, Sterling is set to expand MarinaTex’s market presence in Scotland while raising investment and driving revenue. Previously, Sterling led CuanTec through a phase of significant growth and innovation. His long-standing passion for marine conservation will further MarinaTex’s mission to combat plastic pollution by using natural waste streams like seafood by-products to create sustainable materials.


Sarah Fisher to Lead USDA Forest Service Fire and Aviation Management

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service has appointed Sarah Fisher as the National Director of Fire and Aviation Management. Fisher, with 32 years of experience in wildfire management, will oversee the largest wildland fire organization in the world. Her responsibilities will include managing interagency wildfire response, workforce development, and technology initiatives. Fisher’s leadership is crucial in executing the Wildfire Crisis Strategy, improving forest health, and safeguarding communities against wildfires. Previously, Fisher served as the Deputy Director of Fire and Aviation Management and held various leadership roles in wildfire and all-hazard emergency management.


Derek Wright Joins Verv as Chief Growth Officer

Verv, a leader in energy management technology for the built environment, has appointed Derek Wright as Chief Growth Officer. With over 20 years of experience in strategic growth, including a tenure as Senior Director of Strategic Alliances at Signify (formerly Philips Lighting), Wright will spearhead Verv’s global initiatives. His role will focus on building alliances and advancing Verv’s API integration strategies, particularly in Europe and the U.S. Verv’s technology supports condition-based maintenance strategies, enabling operators to reduce downtime and extend equipment lifecycles, positioning the company at the forefront of energy management solutions for retrofitted and new buildings.


Chris Warnes Named Managing Director of E-CUBE’s New London Office

E-CUBE, a leading European energy consultancy, has appointed Chris Warnes as Managing Director of its new UK operations. Warnes, who joins from Oliver Wyman, brings over 30 years of experience in the energy sector. His expertise spans strategic growth, decarbonization, and operational performance improvements. The London office will provide E-CUBE with the ability to support its UK clients while fostering cross-collaboration between the UK and mainland Europe, enhancing the consultancy's offerings in energy, environment, and transportation sectors.


To have your executive appointments featured in this series, please email your announcement with the subject line Movers+Shakers.

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