XCF Global strengthens leadership to accelerate commercial growth in SAF

XCF Global strengthens leadership to accelerate commercial growth in SAF

  • Seasoned energy-transition executive Chris Cooper appointed Chief Executive Officer and Board Director
  • Current XCF Board member, Wray Thorn, appointed Interim Board Chair to focus on strategy, growth, and capitalization
  • New Rise Renewables founder Randy Soule to work closely with Mr. Cooper and the XCF Board of Directors as Senior Operations Adviser

XCF Global, Inc. (“XCF”) (Nasdaq: SAFX), a leader in advancing the decarbonization of the aviation industry through Sustainable Aviation Fuel (“SAF”), today announced key leadership appointments designed to optimize strategy, strengthen execution, and accelerate growth.

Chris Cooper has joined the company as Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Board Director, effective November 7, 2025. Mr. Cooper is a seasoned energy-transition executive who has served as President of Neste U.S. (North America), where he led strategy, operations, and stakeholder engagement for one of the world’s largest producers of renewable fuels, including SAF, and as Head of Renewables Trading at BGN, a leading energy and commodities trading company. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles at Phillips 66 and Chevron, where he developed extensive expertise across downstream operations, renewable fuels integration, and global energy supply chains. Mr. Cooper succeeds Mihir Dange, who served as the Chief Executive Officer of XCF and XCF Global Capital, XCF’s predecessor, since November 2023.

Chris Cooper, Chief Executive Officer of XCF Global, commented: “I’m honored to join XCF at this exciting inflection point for both aviation and renewable fuel. Global demand for SAF is accelerating, and XCF is well-positioned to lead through the rapid deployment of its modular facility design and international partnerships. Together with the Board and our partners, I’m committed to driving operational excellence, accelerating growth, and advancing XCF’s mission to decarbonize global air travel.”

In conjunction with Mr. Cooper’s appointment, current XCF Board member Wray Thorn has been appointed Interim Board Chair, succeeding Mr. Dange as Board Chair, where he will focus on advancing the company’s strategic growth, capitalization, and governance initiatives.

Wray Thorn, Interim Board Chair of XCF Global, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Chris to XCF at such a pivotal stage in the company’s evolution. His experience leading and scaling renewable fuel operations and his deep understanding of the global aviation fuel and SAF markets make him the right leader for XCF’s next phase of growth. The Board looks forward to working closely with Chris and the entire XCF management team as we continue to build the company into a leader in the renewable fuel industry and drive long-term value for our shareholders.

“I’d also like to thank Mihir for his leadership of the company, as during his tenure as CEO and Board Chair, XCF made its public-market debut on Nasdaq and positioned itself as a key player in the SAF market.”

Additionally, Randy Soule, founder of New Rise Renewables and the company’s largest shareholder, will work closely with Mr. Cooper as Senior Operations Adviser, helping to ensure operational excellence at XCF’s New Rise Reno facility. Mr. Soule brings deep technical, engineering, and operational expertise that will support XCF’s ongoing operations, expansion, and execution.

Randy Soule, Founder of New Rise Renewables, added: “I am excited to welcome Chris to XCF as CEO and a member of the Board of Directors. His proven leadership in the renewable fuel industry, combined with the team’s extensive operational, technical, and engineering expertise, positions XCF to drive its next phase of growth and to enhance operational excellence.”

Simon Oxley continues to serve as Chief Financial Officer, bringing more than 20 years of experience across the energy and finance sectors. Together, Mr. Cooper’s proven leadership in the renewable fuel industry and Mr. Oxley’s financial and strategic expertise in energy and capital markets position XCF to drive new growth opportunities, enhance shareholder value, and advance the company’s next stage of commercial growth and execution.

Picture of Anastasiya Simsek

Anastasiya Simsek

Anastasiya Simsek is an award-winning journalist with a background in air cargo, news, medicine, and lifestyle reporting. For exclusive insights or to share your news, contact Anastasiya at anastasiya.simsek@aircargoweek.com.

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