DTE Energy Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

DTE Energy has 10 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, financial oversight, information technology, and operational management.

Focused on delivering reliable utility services, DTE Energy advances sustainable energy solutions while maintaining robust infrastructure to support residential, commercial, and industrial customers across diverse energy markets.

Leadership Roles at DTE Energy

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

    David Ruud, the Chief Financial Officer at DTE Energy, directs the financial strategy and capital allocation for the organization. Ruud oversees fiscal planning, risk management, and investor relations to ensure the stability of the company's regulated utility and non-utility businesses. By managing the financial health of energy infrastructure investments, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of renewable energy projects. David Ruud collaborates with the Board to evaluate market trends and optimize the balance sheet for long-term growth. This leadership position involves rigorous analysis of revenue streams from electric and natural gas operations. Through disciplined financial governance, Ruud secures the capital necessary for maintaining grid reliability and industrial energy solutions. The Chief Financial Officer maintains a focus on shareholder value while navigating the complexities of the energy industry, ensuring that fiscal policies align with the company's commitment to sustainable energy development.

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

    Robert Buckler, the President & Chief Operating Officer (Detroit, Edison) at DTE Energy, directs the operational performance of the company's electric utility services. Buckler oversees the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity to ensure reliable service for all customers. By managing the daily operations of the utility business, the President & Chief Operating Officer (Detroit, Edison) maintains the integrity of the energy grid. Robert Buckler coordinates with engineering and field teams to implement infrastructure improvements that support regional energy needs. This leadership role involves optimizing operational workflows to enhance efficiency and safety across the utility network. Through the oversight of power generation assets, Buckler ensures that the company meets the energy demands of residential and commercial clients. The President & Chief Operating Officer (Detroit, Edison) drives operational excellence by focusing on grid reliability and the integration of sustainable energy practices into the existing utility framework.

    Nicole Jaber - Chief of Staff

    Nicole Jaber, the Chief of Staff at DTE Energy, coordinates executive workflows to ensure alignment with corporate utility objectives. Jaber manages high-level administrative priorities, facilitating communication between leadership teams to streamline decision-making processes. By optimizing internal resource allocation, the Chief of Staff supports the broader mission of providing reliable electric and natural gas services. Nicole Jaber monitors project timelines and cross-departmental initiatives, ensuring that operational goals remain consistent with the company's long-term energy strategy. This role requires constant interaction with senior management to address complex organizational challenges. Through rigorous oversight of daily business functions, the Chief of Staff maintains the efficiency of the executive office. Jaber drives organizational excellence by refining internal processes and fostering collaboration across the diverse business units that define the company's market presence in the energy sector.

    Emily Germain - IT Chief of Staff

    Emily Germain, the IT Chief of Staff at DTE Energy, manages the strategic alignment of technology initiatives with the company's core utility operations. Germain coordinates the execution of digital transformation projects, ensuring that information technology resources support the generation and distribution of energy. By facilitating communication between technical teams and executive leadership, the IT Chief of Staff optimizes the delivery of industrial energy solutions. Emily Germain monitors the progress of critical IT infrastructure upgrades, ensuring that systems remain resilient and secure. This role involves managing complex project portfolios that enhance the efficiency of energy marketing and trading platforms. Through the oversight of technical workflows, Germain ensures that the organization leverages data-driven insights to improve customer service. The IT Chief of Staff maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that technological advancements directly contribute to the company's ability to manage energy distribution effectively.

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

    Emil Abona, the Manager, Strategy Special Projects & Chief of Staff at DTE Energy, architects strategic initiatives that drive the company's long-term energy goals. Abona oversees the development of special projects focused on renewable energy integration and infrastructure modernization. By aligning cross-functional teams with corporate objectives, the Manager, Strategy Special Projects & Chief of Staff ensures that innovative solutions reach implementation. Emil Abona facilitates high-level planning sessions to address emerging market opportunities in the energy sector. This leadership role involves managing the execution of complex projects that support the company's regulated utility services. Through the coordination of strategic resources, Abona enhances the efficiency of energy marketing and trading operations. The Manager, Strategy Special Projects & Chief of Staff maintains a focus on operational agility, ensuring that the organization remains competitive while delivering reliable energy solutions to residential and industrial customers.

    Lynne Ellyn - Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

    Lynne Ellyn, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at DTE Energy, directs the enterprise-wide technology strategy and digital infrastructure. Ellyn oversees the implementation of advanced systems that support energy trading, marketing, and utility management. By managing the cybersecurity and data analytics frameworks, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer ensures the protection and efficiency of the company's digital assets. Lynne Ellyn collaborates with executive leadership to integrate innovative technology solutions that enhance grid operations and customer engagement. This role involves leading large-scale IT initiatives that support the company's transition toward renewable energy and smart grid technologies. Through the oversight of technical operations, Ellyn drives the digital transformation necessary for maintaining a competitive edge in the energy market. The Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer ensures that technology investments align with the company's mission to provide reliable and sustainable energy services.
    Lynne Ellyn

    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, coordinates the execution of strategic projects across the organization. Graves oversees the project management office to ensure that initiatives align with the company's energy infrastructure and utility goals. By facilitating communication between project teams and executive leadership, the Special Projects Manager, Strategy & Project Management Office Chief of Staff optimizes resource allocation for complex energy solutions. Natalie Graves monitors the progress of key strategic initiatives, ensuring that milestones are met to support the company's growth. This role involves managing the integration of new energy technologies into existing business processes. Through the oversight of project workflows, Graves enhances the efficiency of the company's operational strategy. The Special Projects Manager, Strategy & Project Management Office Chief of Staff maintains a focus on delivering results that strengthen the company's market position in the energy sector.

    Tony LaBarbera - Chief of Staff To the Director of EA

    Tony LaBarbera, the Chief of Staff To the Director of EA at DTE Energy, manages the administrative and strategic priorities for the Energy Analysis division. LaBarbera coordinates the flow of information and project requirements to ensure that analytical insights support the company's energy marketing and trading businesses. By facilitating collaboration between the director and internal teams, the Chief of Staff To the Director of EA optimizes the execution of energy analysis projects. Tony LaBarbera monitors the progress of key research initiatives that inform the company's strategic decisions regarding energy infrastructure. This role involves managing the operational needs of the division to ensure that analytical outputs remain accurate and timely. Through the oversight of daily business functions, LaBarbera supports the director in achieving the division's goals. The Chief of Staff To the Director of EA maintains a focus on operational efficiency, ensuring that the company leverages data to drive informed energy solutions.

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

    Esmeralda Zamarron, the Chief of Staff & Manager, Dte Foundation & Corporate Citizenship at DTE Energy, directs the company's philanthropic efforts and community engagement initiatives. Zamarron oversees the foundation's grant-making processes and corporate social responsibility programs to ensure alignment with the company's values. By managing relationships with community partners, the Chief of Staff & Manager, Dte Foundation & Corporate Citizenship enhances the company's reputation as a responsible energy provider. Esmeralda Zamarron coordinates internal initiatives that promote employee volunteerism and community development. This role involves integrating corporate citizenship into the broader business strategy, ensuring that the company contributes positively to the regions it serves. Through the oversight of foundation activities, Zamarron supports the company's commitment to social impact. The Chief of Staff & Manager, Dte Foundation & Corporate Citizenship maintains a focus on building strong community ties, ensuring that the company's presence benefits the public while supporting its core energy mission.

    Steve Ambrose - Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Steve Ambrose, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at DTE Energy, directs the technological vision and digital operations for the company. Ambrose oversees the development and maintenance of IT systems that support the generation, transmission, and distribution of energy. By managing the enterprise technology roadmap, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures that the company utilizes cutting-edge tools to improve operational efficiency. Steve Ambrose collaborates with other C-suite leaders to implement digital solutions that enhance customer service and grid reliability. This role involves leading large-scale technology projects that support the company's transition to renewable energy sources. Through the oversight of IT infrastructure, Ambrose ensures that the organization remains resilient against cyber threats and operational disruptions. The Vice President & Chief Information Officer maintains a focus on innovation, ensuring that technological advancements directly contribute to the company's ability to provide reliable energy services to its diverse customer base.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Electricity, Oil & Gas

    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, IT Chief of Staff, Manager, Strategy Special Projects & Chief of Staff.