XGS Energy, a leader in geothermal energy technology and project development, has announced the promotion of Dr. Axel-Pierre Bois to Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Dr. Lucy Darago to Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). These leadership changes come as XGS expands its project pipeline and significantly grows its operations in Houston, Texas.
“It’s an exciting time to bring XGS’ technology to market. Demand for carbon-free baseload energy is at a record high, and the XGS system’s ability to unlock geothermal in more locations, predictably and bankably, is perfectly timed,” said Lucy Darago, CCO.
Josh Prueher, CEO of XGS Energy, commented on the promotions, stating, “Axel and Lucy’s operational excellence and deep technical expertise have been instrumental in driving XGS forward as we enter our next phase of growth. I’m thrilled to welcome them to the C-suite, where they will play crucial roles in advancing our next-generation geothermal technology, growing our team, and expanding our multi-gigawatt project pipeline.”
Dr. Axel-Pierre Bois, who joined XGS in February 2023 as Senior Vice President of Technology, now steps into the role of CTO. With over 30 years of experience in geomechanics, wellbore integrity, completions design, and subsurface testing, he has been pivotal in designing XGS’ thermally conductive materials system for advanced geothermal energy production. Before joining XGS, Axel founded and served as CEO of CURISTEC, a technical advisory firm specializing in oil and gas, geothermal, and geological storage industries. He is a leading expert in developing technology for extreme subsurface environments, including the superhot and supercritical conditions crucial for high-performance geothermal energy. Axel holds a Ph.D. in Geomechanics from the Université de Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada.
“We’ve developed a proprietary approach to enhancing the heat-harvesting potential of geothermal wells, ready for commercial deployment across diverse environments. I’m excited to continue growing our team of scientists and engineers working on this critical technology,” said Dr. Bois. “We’re just beginning to explore the potential of this technology to deliver reliable, clean, and affordable geothermal energy worldwide.”
Dr. Lucy Darago, who joined XGS in February 2023 as Vice President of Strategy, is now promoted to CCO. In her previous role, she led XGS’ financing strategy, including the $20 million Series A expansion announced earlier this year, and collaborated closely with the technical and operational teams on market strategy. As CCO, Lucy will oversee XGS’ global project development and maintain a key role in corporate affairs. Before joining XGS, she was a Principal at Boston Consulting Group, where she led clean energy studies and investment strategies for renewable energy developers, utilities, integrated energy companies, and large-scale energy consumers. Lucy holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley.
“The demand for carbon-free baseload energy is at an all-time high, and XGS’ technology is uniquely positioned to meet that demand,” said Dr. Darago. “I’m honored by the trust placed in me by our team and Board and look forward to driving the next stage of growth for XGS.”
This leadership expansion coincides with XGS’ rapid advancement and operational growth. The company recently leased over 10,000 square feet of office space in Memorial City, strategically located between downtown Houston and the Energy Corridor. XGS plans to continue its expansion in the Houston area, leveraging the region’s leading engineering and operational talent and intensifying energy transition activities.
For more information about XGS Energy, please visit XGS Energy.
