Ross Malme serves as the President and CEO of Malme Energy Consulting, LLC, a firm dedicated to providing strategic consulting and advisory services to the utility and energy technology sectors. With a career spanning over four decades, Ross has established himself as a pioneering force in energy innovation, business leadership, and global energy efficiency initiatives. In addition to his role at Malme Energy Consulting, he holds an investment banking license and serves as a Senior Advisor to England and Company, a mid-stage growth capital investment bank. Ross’s extensive experience includes a previous role as Senior Advisor with Bowen Inc., where he co-led their Energy Technology Practice, and as a Partner with Skipping Stone LLC, where he spearheaded the Smart Grid and international practice.
Ross has made significant contributions to the global energy landscape, including his work with the U.S. Trade and Development Agency to promote the export of U.S. Smart Grid technologies to developing countries. He has been an advisor to the U.S. Department of Commerce on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and held a leadership role in the National Energy Standards Board’s Retail Gas Quadrant. His tenure as Director of Schneider Electric’s Demand Response Resource Center followed his success as Founder, President, and CEO of RETX Energy Services Inc., a groundbreaking provider of technology solutions for the restructured energy industry. Under Ross’s leadership, RETX was acquired by Schneider Electric in 2008, marking a milestone in the evolution of demand response solutions.
Ross’s commitment to advancing energy efficiency extends internationally, as evidenced by his role as Operating Agent for the International Energy Agency’s Demand Side Management (DSM) Program. In this capacity, he led a multinational initiative involving 12 countries to deploy demand response technologies and address electricity market challenges. His innovative spirit is further demonstrated by his invention of the first commercially successful wireless automatic meter reading (AMR) technology, which became the industry standard for over two decades following its acquisition by Itron.
In addition to his professional achievements, Ross has held prominent leadership roles, including Chairman of the Peak Load Management Alliance (PLMA) from 2001 to 2005. He also serves on the boards of Bambhu Innovation, LLC, and the Lake Nottely Improvement Association, reflecting his ongoing commitment to fostering innovation and environmental stewardship. Ross also serves as a volunteer mentor and judge for the Clean Tech Open, an annual global competition for the best cleantech entrepreneurs, and is also the largest cleantech incubator in North America.
Ross’s academic foundation in chemical engineering from the University of Minnesota, combined with an MBA from the College of St. Thomas, underpins his technical expertise and business acumen. His extensive career history, which includes leadership roles at renowned organizations such as Enron, Schlumberger, and Chevron, highlights a lifelong dedication to driving transformative change in the energy sector.
Ross is deeply passionate about music and has demonstrated his commitment through his role as Chairman of the William Baker Choral Foundation, where he supported three a cappella choral groups in both Atlanta and Kansas City. These ensembles performed a diverse repertoire, ranging from American and European folk music to classical masterpieces by Brahms and Bach, as well as powerful renditions of African American spirituals. Ross continues to nurture his love for music by singing with a Christian Contemporary group, performing works by artists such as Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Jars of Clay, and Mercy Me.
Through his visionary leadership, innovative mindset, and deep industry knowledge, Ross Malme continues to shape the future of energy technology, making him a highly respected figure in the global energy community.
Character
Ross Malme is a principled and visionary leader, known for his unwavering commitment to ethical innovation and fostering trust within the energy and utility sectors.
Knowledge
With a robust foundation in chemical engineering and decades of leadership in energy technology, Ross brings unparalleled expertise and insight to global energy challenges and solutions.
Strategic
Ross excels in devising and implementing forward-thinking strategies that drive growth, innovation, and international collaboration in the evolving energy market.
Communication
An articulate and engaging communicator, Ross effectively bridges technical complexity and business goals, fostering collaboration among stakeholders and promoting industry advancements.