Over the 25 years prior to joining Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Chris started and/or led six technology-based companies that span industries that include medical device design and manufacturing, materials development and distribution, design automation software, and energy technology. Five of those six companies were venture capital-backed, private equity-backed or both. Prior to joining BEV, Chris was the Chairman & CEO of CoalTek, Inc. a clean coal technology company. During his 12 year tenure at CoalTek, Chris led all strategy, operations and the company’s entry and execution in the China market. Chris continued to serve on the board of CoalTek and CoalTek’s joint venture company in the PRC until late 2018.

Chris was a three-time appointee to the National Coal Council, a special advisory committee to the US Secretary of Energy, under both the G.W. Bush and Obama administrations. He is an investor in and member of the boards of directors/advisors to a number of traditional technology, energy tech/sustainability and materials companies.

Chris earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing & finance from Boston College. Chris lives in Wellesley, MA with his wife and four children.