Renewable Energy Group, Inc., a leading advanced biofuel producer, announced that its Board of Directors has named Cynthia (CJ) Warner to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer effective January 14, 2019, at which time she will also join the Board of Directors. Randy Howard, who has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since July 2017, will remain on the Board and assist in the transition.
“After completing a thorough and deliberate succession planning process, we are pleased to welcome CJ Warner as our new President and CEO,” said Jeff Stroburg, Chairman of the REG Board of Directors. “Her background and success, coupled with her passion for developing renewable fuels that transform the transportation fuels market to a cleaner and sustainable future, makes her an exceptional choice to lead REG.”
The CEO search for Renewable Energy Group was led by the team from Caldwell Partners of John Strackhouse, Bethany George and Rachel Sharp.
Warner brings more than 35 years of experience in the energy industry, including an extensive background in refining. Most recently she served as Executive Vice President, Operations for Andeavor (formerly Tesoro Corporation), an integrated marketing, logistics and refining company. Prior to her most recent role, Ms. Warner served as Executive Vice President, Strategy and Business Development of Andeavor. Before joining Andeavor, Warner served as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board of Sapphire Energy, a biofuels company. Prior to Sapphire Energy, Ms. Warner served as Group Vice President of Global Refining and Group Vice President of Health, Safety, Security, Environmental and Technology for BP (British Petroleum). Ms. Warner serves as a member of the Board of Directors for IDEX Corporation and serves as a member of the National Petroleum Council.
“I am delighted and honored to be joining the REG team as President and CEO,” said Warner. “This growing company is well positioned to meet the rising global demand for cleaner, competitive low carbon fuel solutions. I look forward to the exciting future ahead and to leading the team with a continued focus on value creation.” During the leadership transition Randy Howard will remain engaged with the business. Upon completion of the transition, Randy will continue to serve on the REG Board of Directors, a position he has held since February 2007.
“It has been a great privilege to lead the experienced senior leadership team at REG the last 18 months as they have delivered record setting performance in EBITDA, sales and production,” said Howard. “I look forward to supporting CJ as she applies her deep experience and strategic insights to furthering REG’s success and continuing our growth trajectory.”
