Mount Kisco, New York — July 31st, 2023 — Dandelion Energy, the nation’s leading residential geothermal company, today announced Dan Yates as CEO. Yates previously served as Executive Chairman at Dandelion. Since joining the team in 2018, he has played a pivotal role in guiding the company’s development and expansion. Dan is a mission-driven entrepreneur. His commitment to sustainability and renewable energy shows in his substantial and ongoing contributions to the sector. Yates succeeds Michael Sachse, who concludes an impactful four year tenure at the company.
Dan Yates’ Leadership Background
Previously, Dan was the co-founder and CEO of Opower, an energy-efficiency software company. Dan led Opower to a $1Bn+ IPO (NYSE: OPWR) in 2014 and a successful sale to Oracle in 2016. The company transformed the renewable energy sector, helped consumers save over 32 terawatt hours of energy, and rose to a top 5 U.S. residential clean energy company.
Ernst & Young honored Dan as Entrepreneur of the Year©, Fortune named him to its 40 under 40 list, and Washingtonian recognized him as a Tech Titan.
Board and Cofounder Perspectives
“Dan is an exceptional leader with a proven track record of creating and growing successful companies in the energy sector. During his tenure as Executive Chairman at Dandelion, Dan drove tremendous growth and innovation,” said Maritza Liaw, member of the Dandelion board and NGP Partner. “As CEO, we believe Dan will bring an even greater focus on our mission of making clean energy accessible and affordable to homeowners nationwide. His unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities in our industry make him the ideal leader to take Dandelion to new heights.”
“When Dan joined Dandelion as Chairman in our early days, he dived in to such a degree that we considered him our third cofounder. To have him now step in as CEO is like winning the lottery twice. I couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come,” said Kathy Hannun, president and cofounder, Dandelion Energy.
Dandelion Energy’s Recent Milestones
In the past year, Dandelion achieved numerous milestones, including completing its 1,000th geothermal installation this past fall. The company helps homeowners throughout the Northeast embrace cleaner, more affordable, and renewable home heating and cooling solutions. The company announced its $70M Series B1 funding in November 2022. Dandelion expanded its residential geothermal heating and cooling solutions into Massachusetts and Connecticut and opened operational centers across the region.
“I am truly honored to take on the role of CEO at Dandelion Energy,” said Yates. “Our mission to transition homes from fossil fuels to sustainable energy is more than just a business goal—it’s a crucial undertaking for our planet’s future. I’m grateful for the trust placed in me to guide Dandelion in this endeavor. Together, we will strive to make renewable, clean home heating and cooling an achievable reality for homeowners everywhere.”
About Dandelion Energy
Dandelion Energy is the nation’s leading residential geothermal company. The company simplifies and lowers the cost of transitioning to geothermal heating and cooling. They empower homeowners to choose emissions-free heating and cut up to 70% from their heating and cooling bills. Together with the homeowners we serve, we shift the built environment away from fossil fuels.
To learn more, visit www.dandelionenergy.com.