Matt Helgeson has joined Siemens as the new head of sustainability for Siemens USA, where he will focus on advancing the company’s own decarbonization strategies to continue its path toward becoming 100 percent carbon neutral by 2030.
As head of Sustainability for the U.S., Helgeson will manage the implementation of U.S. programs that support its carbon neutral goals, including the ongoing transition to a zero-emission fleet, installing the requisite electric vehicle infrastructure at targeted locations, identifying distributed energy and energy efficiency projects across key Siemens U.S. sites, and working with internal and external stakeholders and partners to help the company‘s customers meet their own sustainability targets. Siemens says it was the first industrial company to pledge to become 100 percent carbon neutral by 2030 and announced this past December it has successfully passed the halfway mark.
“At Siemens, we’ve long recognized that reducing carbon emissions is both socially responsible and a good business decision,” said Barbara Humpton, CEO of Siemens USA. “Matt’s leadership and deep understanding of the energy market will certainly play an integral part in advancing our commitment to decarbonization.”
“I’m thrilled to take on this role to further position Siemens as the industry’s most creative leader in sustainability,” said Helgeson. “With my experience partnering across our business and working with many of the nation’s most prominent utilities and emerging energy stakeholders, I’m confident we can strengthen our strategies while harnessing innovative technologies to make our sustainability goals a reality.”
Helgeson has spent his career at Siemens across roles within the energy sector, most recently leading the development of utility-scale projects involving renewable and distributed generation, energy storage, transportation electrification and digital grid solutions. A graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Helgeson has managed relationships with some of the nation’s largest power providers, focusing on aligning sustainability requirements with Siemens offerings and strategy.
Siemens USA’s former head of Sustainability Martin Powell is taking on a new role as head of Sustainability Americas for Siemens Financial Services, Inc. (SFS), where he will be responsible for developing and driving an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy for the U.S. arm of SFS in collaboration with the Siemens businesses.