DTE Energy Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to reliable energy, DTE Energy focuses on developing and managing energy-related businesses and services nationwide, impacting communities through its core mission.

Leadership Roles at DTE Energy

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

    David Ruud, the Chief Financial Officer at DTE Energy, directs all financial operations and strategic fiscal planning. Ruud oversees the company's capital allocation, investment strategies, and financial reporting, ensuring robust financial health and compliance across all business units. This leadership role involves managing investor relations and securing funding for major energy infrastructure projects. By optimizing financial performance, David Ruud directly supports DTE Energy's nationwide expansion and operational efficiency. Ruud's financial acumen is critical for navigating the complex energy market and driving sustainable growth. The Chief Financial Officer ensures that all fiscal activities align with the company's long-term objectives and shareholder value.

    Steven Kurmas - President & Chief Operating Officer (Detroit, Edison)

    Steven Kurmas, the President & Chief Operating Officer (Detroit, Edison) at DTE Energy, directs the operational execution of energy services. Kurmas oversees the day-to-day management of the Detroit Edison utility, ensuring reliable power generation, transmission, and distribution. This leadership position involves managing large-scale infrastructure projects and optimizing operational efficiency across the energy network. By driving operational excellence, Steven Kurmas directly supports DTE Energy's commitment to providing essential energy services to its customers. Kurmas's operational expertise is fundamental to maintaining grid stability and advancing energy infrastructure modernization. The President & Chief Operating Officer (Detroit, Edison) ensures the seamless delivery of energy across the service territory.

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

    Robert Buckler, the President & Chief Operating Officer (Detroit, Edison) at DTE Energy, leads the operational management of the Detroit Edison utility. Buckler is responsible for ensuring the reliable delivery of energy services, overseeing generation, transmission, and distribution operations. This executive position involves managing significant capital investments in infrastructure and driving operational efficiencies across the energy network. By focusing on operational excellence, Robert Buckler directly supports DTE Energy's mission to provide safe and dependable energy. Buckler's leadership is critical for maintaining grid integrity and advancing modernization efforts. The President & Chief Operating Officer (Detroit, Edison) ensures the effective functioning of DTE Energy's core utility operations.

    Kathrine Horan - Chief of Staff

    Kathrine Horan, the Chief of Staff at DTE Energy, facilitates strategic initiatives and operational alignment across executive leadership. Horan manages key projects, drives cross-functional collaboration, and ensures efficient communication between departments and the executive office. This role involves supporting the development and execution of corporate strategies, enhancing organizational effectiveness. By streamlining processes and coordinating efforts, Kathrine Horan directly contributes to the company's operational agility. Horan's focus on strategic execution is vital for advancing DTE Energy's mission in the energy sector. The Chief of Staff acts as a key liaison, ensuring that executive priorities translate into actionable plans.

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

    Lisa Muschong, the Vice President, Corporate Secretary & Chief of Staff at DTE Energy, provides critical governance and strategic support. Muschong oversees corporate governance matters, manages board communications, and executes key initiatives as Chief of Staff. This dual role ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and facilitates the smooth operation of executive functions. By coordinating board activities and supporting strategic projects, Lisa Muschong directly enhances corporate accountability and operational efficiency. Muschong's expertise is essential for maintaining strong corporate governance and driving strategic alignment. The Vice President, Corporate Secretary & Chief of Staff ensures that DTE Energy operates with the highest standards of integrity and strategic focus.

    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. Zamarron manages key projects within the Chief of Staff's office while directing the DTE Foundation's philanthropic initiatives and corporate citizenship programs. This role integrates operational efficiency with social responsibility, ensuring impactful community investment. By aligning foundation activities with corporate goals, Esmeralda Zamarron directly strengthens DTE Energy's commitment to its communities. Zamarron's leadership is crucial for fostering positive societal impact and enhancing corporate reputation. The Chief of Staff & Manager, Dte Foundation & Corporate Citizenship drives both internal operational excellence and external community development.

    Emily Germain - IT Chief of Staff

    Emily Germain, the IT Chief of Staff at DTE Energy, enhances the strategic direction and operational effectiveness of the information technology division. Germain manages critical IT projects, facilitates communication across technology teams, and supports the Chief Information Officer in executing IT strategies. This role is pivotal in aligning technology initiatives with broader business objectives, ensuring robust digital infrastructure. By optimizing IT operations and project management, Emily Germain directly contributes to DTE Energy's technological advancement. Germain's focus on strategic IT alignment is essential for supporting the company's nationwide energy operations. The IT Chief of Staff ensures that technology solutions effectively support business needs and drive innovation.

    Tony LaBarbera - Chief of Staff To the Director of EA

    Tony LaBarbera, the Chief of Staff To the Director of EA at DTE Energy, supports strategic planning and execution within the Enterprise Architecture domain. LaBarbera manages key projects, coordinates cross-functional efforts, and ensures alignment of architectural strategies with business goals. This role is critical for optimizing the company's technology landscape and driving digital transformation initiatives. By facilitating effective communication and project oversight, Tony LaBarbera directly enhances the efficiency of enterprise architecture development. LaBarbera's support is vital for maintaining a cohesive and forward-looking technology framework. The Chief of Staff To the Director of EA ensures that enterprise architecture decisions support DTE Energy's strategic objectives.

    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 critical strategic initiatives and manages the PMO's operational flow. Graves oversees special projects, enhances project management methodologies, and supports the strategic planning process. This role is key to ensuring that DTE Energy's strategic objectives are effectively translated into actionable project plans and executed efficiently. By coordinating project execution and strategic alignment, Natalie Graves directly contributes to the company's growth and operational improvements. Graves's expertise in strategy and project management is essential for navigating complex business challenges. The Special Projects Manager, Strategy & Project Management Office Chief of Staff ensures successful project delivery and strategic goal attainment.

    Steve Ambrose - Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Steve Ambrose, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at DTE Energy, directs the company's overall information technology strategy and operations. Ambrose oversees the development and implementation of technology solutions that support business objectives, enhance cybersecurity, and drive digital innovation. This leadership role is crucial for managing the company's IT infrastructure, data management, and digital transformation efforts nationwide. By ensuring robust and secure IT systems, Steve Ambrose directly enables DTE Energy's operational efficiency and strategic growth. Ambrose's vision for technology is vital for maintaining a competitive edge in the energy sector. The Vice President & Chief Information Officer champions technological advancements to support DTE Energy's mission.

    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 Steven Kurmas (President & Chief Operating Officer (Detroit, Edison)) and Robert Buckler (President & Chief Operating Officer (Detroit, Edison)).
    Who is part of DTE Energy’s executive team?
    The executive team of DTE Energy includes leaders such as David Ruud (Chief Financial Officer), Steven Kurmas (President & Chief Operating Officer (Detroit, Edison)), Robert Buckler (President & Chief Operating Officer (Detroit, Edison)) 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), President & Chief Operating Officer (Detroit, Edison), Chief of Staff, Vice President, Corporate Secretary & Chief of Staff.