Two weeks ago, one of B.C.’s leading clean-tech CEOs quietly walked away from the company he helped found. Jonathan Rhone, who co-founded Vancouver’s Nexterra Systems eight years ago, has left his role as president and CEO of the company to pursue “other projects” within the B.C.’s burgeoning clean-tech sector.
Rhone, who said he remains chairman of the BC Cleantech CEO Alliance, has been replaced with Mike Scott, formerly Nexterra’s senior vice-president of corporate development.
Rhone wouldn’t say what projects he’s pursuing, but he told Business in Vancouver the departure was amicable and he remains a stakeholder in the company.
“I think it’s going to be an opportunity to revitalize the company and get it positioned for the next phase of growth,” said Rhone. “There’s not much more to it. I’m really supportive of the company, and it’s in great shape.”
Nexterra specializes in biomass gasification systems that generate renewable heat and power for institutional and industrial customers.
The company counts Kruger Products, the University of Northern B.C. and Tolko Industries among its list of clients.
Nexterra chairman Brian Boulanger said the company is looking to expand the range of biomass feedstocks for its gasification systems, and use its “green gas” expertise to develop its gasification-to-internal combustion engine program.
Joel McKay
Twitter:jmckaybiv