DTE Energy Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

DTE Energy has 10 executives leading key functions including finance, operations, strategy, and information technology.

Driven by a commitment to reliable energy, DTE Energy powers communities and businesses through diversified utility and energy businesses, focusing on sustainable growth and operational excellence across North America.

Leadership Roles at DTE Energy

  • Chief Financial Officer - David Ruud
  • President & Chief Operating Officer (Detroit, Edison) - Robert Buckler
  • Chief of Staff - Nicole Jaber
  • Chief of Staff & Manager, Dte Foundation & Corporate Citizenship - Esmeralda Zamarron
  • Manager, Strategy Special Projects & Chief of Staff - Emil Abona
  • Vice President & Chief Information Officer - Steve Ambrose
  • IT Chief of Staff - Emily Germain
  • Chief of Staff To the Director of EA - Tony LaBarbera
  • Vice President, Corporate Secretary & Chief of Staff - Lisa Muschong
  • Special Projects Manager, Strategy & Project Management Office Chief of Staff - Natalie Graves
  • David Ruud - Chief Financial Officer

    David Ruud, the Chief Financial Officer at DTE Energy, directs all financial operations and strategic fiscal planning. Ruud oversees capital allocation, investment strategies, and financial risk management, ensuring the company's financial health and stability. This leadership role involves managing investor relations and reporting financial performance to stakeholders. By optimizing financial structures, David Ruud supports DTE Energy's expansion into renewable energy and infrastructure development across North America. The Chief Financial Officer's guidance is critical for maintaining robust financial performance and achieving long-term growth objectives in the competitive energy market.

    Robert Buckler - President & Chief Operating Officer (Detroit, Edison)

    Robert Buckler, the President & Chief Operating Officer (Detroit, Edison) at DTE Energy, directs the operational execution of the company's electric utility services. Buckler oversees power generation, transmission, and distribution networks, ensuring reliable energy delivery to millions of customers across Michigan. This critical role involves managing large-scale infrastructure projects and optimizing operational efficiency. By leading the Detroit Edison division, Robert Buckler drives performance improvements and ensures compliance with regulatory standards. The President & Chief Operating Officer's leadership is fundamental to maintaining service reliability and advancing DTE Energy's infrastructure modernization efforts.

    Nicole Jaber - Chief of Staff

    Nicole Jaber, the Chief of Staff at DTE Energy, facilitates strategic initiatives and operational alignment across executive departments. Jaber manages key projects, drives cross-functional collaboration, and ensures efficient execution of corporate objectives. This role involves coordinating executive communications and supporting the strategic direction set by senior leadership. By streamlining internal processes, Nicole Jaber enhances the effectiveness of DTE Energy's utility and energy businesses. The Chief of Staff's focus on operational efficiency directly contributes to the company's ability to deliver reliable energy services to its customers.

    Esmeralda Zamarron - Chief of Staff & Manager, Dte Foundation & Corporate Citizenship

    Esmeralda Zamarron, the Chief of Staff & Manager, Dte Foundation & Corporate Citizenship at DTE Energy, leads strategic operations and community engagement efforts. Zamarron manages the DTE Foundation's philanthropic initiatives and oversees corporate citizenship programs, aligning them with the company's broader mission. This dual role involves driving impactful community investments and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders. By directing corporate citizenship, Esmeralda Zamarron enhances DTE Energy's social responsibility and market reputation. The Chief of Staff's work in this capacity supports the company's commitment to sustainable development and community well-being.

    Emil Abona - Manager, Strategy Special Projects & Chief of Staff

    Emil Abona, the Manager, Strategy Special Projects & Chief of Staff at DTE Energy, spearheads critical strategic initiatives and supports executive decision-making. Abona manages complex projects focused on business transformation and growth opportunities within the energy sector. This role involves analyzing market trends and developing actionable strategies to enhance DTE Energy's competitive position. By driving special projects, Emil Abona contributes to the company's innovation in renewable energy and energy trading businesses. The Manager, Strategy Special Projects & Chief of Staff's analytical rigor and project management skills are vital for navigating the evolving energy landscape.

    Steve Ambrose - Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Steve Ambrose, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at DTE Energy, leads the company's technology strategy and digital transformation efforts. Ambrose oversees all IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data management, ensuring robust and secure technological operations. This leadership position involves implementing innovative solutions to support DTE Energy's diverse business units, including utilities and energy trading. By driving technological advancements, Steve Ambrose enhances operational efficiency and customer experience across North America. The Vice President & Chief Information Officer's vision is crucial for modernizing DTE Energy's systems and enabling future growth.

    Emily Germain - IT Chief of Staff

    Emily Germain, the IT Chief of Staff at DTE Energy, supports the Vice President & Chief Information Officer in executing technology strategies and managing IT operations. Germain coordinates cross-functional IT projects, optimizes resource allocation, and ensures alignment between technology initiatives and business objectives. This role involves facilitating communication within the IT department and with other business units. By enhancing IT operational effectiveness, Emily Germain contributes to the reliability and security of DTE Energy's digital infrastructure. The IT Chief of Staff's focus on process improvement strengthens the company's technological foundation.

    Tony LaBarbera - Chief of Staff To the Director of EA

    Tony LaBarbera, the Chief of Staff To the Director of EA at DTE Energy, provides critical support for executive-level strategic planning and operational management. LaBarbera manages key administrative functions and facilitates the execution of directives from the Director of Enterprise Architecture. This role involves coordinating projects and ensuring efficient workflow within the enterprise architecture domain. By streamlining executive support, Tony LaBarbera enhances the strategic alignment of DTE Energy's technology investments. The Chief of Staff's contributions are vital for optimizing the company's enterprise-wide architectural framework.

    Lisa Muschong - Vice President, Corporate Secretary & Chief of Staff

    Lisa Muschong, the Vice President, Corporate Secretary & Chief of Staff at DTE Energy, oversees critical governance functions and executive support. Muschong manages corporate record-keeping, board communications, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements. This multifaceted role involves coordinating board meetings and supporting strategic initiatives across the organization. By serving as Corporate Secretary, Lisa Muschong upholds DTE Energy's commitment to transparency and corporate governance. The Vice President, Corporate Secretary & Chief of Staff's expertise is essential for maintaining strong relationships with the board and stakeholders.

    Natalie Graves - Special Projects Manager, Strategy & Project Management Office Chief of Staff

    Natalie Graves, the Special Projects Manager, Strategy & Project Management Office Chief of Staff at DTE Energy, drives strategic projects and enhances PMO effectiveness. Graves manages complex initiatives, ensuring alignment with DTE Energy's long-term strategic objectives and operational goals. This role involves coordinating project teams and implementing best practices in project management. By leading special projects, Natalie Graves contributes to the company's innovation in energy infrastructure and renewable energy development. The Special Projects Manager's analytical skills and project oversight are key to successful project delivery.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding DTE Energy Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads DTE Energy?
    DTE Energy is led by David Ruud (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Robert Buckler (President & Chief Operating Officer (Detroit, Edison)) and Nicole Jaber (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of DTE Energy’s executive team?
    The executive team of DTE Energy includes leaders such as David Ruud (Chief Financial Officer), Robert Buckler (President & Chief Operating Officer (Detroit, Edison)), Nicole Jaber (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does DTE Energy have?
    DTE Energy has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in DTE Energy’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of DTE Energy includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, President & Chief Operating Officer (Detroit, Edison), Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff & Manager, Dte Foundation & Corporate Citizenship, Manager, Strategy Special Projects & Chief of Staff.