How a philosophy degree and years of private equity work catapulted Marco Alvera into the CEO chair at e-NG producer, Tree Energy Solutions

Marco Alvera may be the most considerate CEO I’ve ever met. In one way, that’s not surprising: Alvera, who was born in the U.S. to Italian parents, studied philosophy at university. Even today, he still reflects on the morals of business, as exemplified by a TED talk about fairness he gave in Milan a few years back, which has garnered over 3 million views.

But if you consider Alvera’s current and prior occupations, his philosophical bent is more of a surprise. Alvera worked in the M&A and private equity department of Goldman Sachs early in his career, and then shifted to working for large Italian energy companies, including Enel, Eni, and Snam, where he served as CEO.

Today, Alvera is still at the forefront of the energy sector, as the co-founder and CEO of both Tree Energy Solutions, a Brussels-based company that produces and transports so-called “electric natural gas” (read on for its definition and use), and Zhero, an Amsterdam-based company that owns and operates large scale renewable energy projects.

But the philosopher and idealist in Alvera is never far away. The Milan-based businessman often reverts to talking about equity and fairness, as he did when we connected for this interview. He’s a well-balanced individual, too, checking out from work regularly to read, enjoy good food, and spend time with his family.

This interview has been edited for brevity.

Down to business

Fortune: What is the single most important project you are working on with your company? 

Marco Alvera: A company I co-founded in 2022, TES, is building large-scale projects to produce e-NG, a complete green fuel that is created by combining green hydrogen and recycled CO2. We then ship this fuel and deliver it to customers all over the world by using existing infrastructure. As I often say #PPWS, Put the Panels Where it’s Sunny, e-NG is the most simple way to ship cheap renewable solar and wind energy produced in the Sun Belt to a factory in Germany or a house in Japan. 

We are developing several e-NG projects in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Australia. We are also racing ahead with one of the largest green energy project import terminals which will be built in Wilhelmshaven, Germany to facilitate the import of both conventional liquefied natural gas and green fuels. 

Which long-term trend are you most bullish about for society and the economy at large?

I am most optimistic about the trend towards cheaper and cheaper renewable energy. In regions where it’s sunny and windy, the cost of renewable energy is already a quarter of that of fossil fuels, and this gap continues to grow. This shift will significantly reduce energy system costs, stimulate economic growth, and, if projects are executed swiftly, help address the climate crisis. 

If you were an economic policymaker, what would be your top priority? 

Every war is won or lost on manufacturing capacity, the climate war is no exception. Although I advocate for free markets, I believe policymakers should now prioritize reducing the costs associated with the energy transition. This can be achieved by supporting the establishment of new factories to scale up the manufacturing of energy transition equipment, similar to the approach taken for vaccine production during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Being productive

What time do you get up, and what part of your morning routine sets you up for the day? 

When traveling (which is too often), I get up at 5:30; otherwise, it’s 7:00. I get my best insights right when I start shaving or with a walk in Parco Sempione, which is close to where I live in Milan. 

Emanuele Cremaschi/Getty Images

What time do you work until? Do you continue sending emails during the night and/or weekends? 

I don’t work at night, but I do send emails on weekends, especially during special projects or deals. I believe that a healthy work-life balance is crucial for creativity, productivity, and overall well-being. Our best ideas and most inspired work come when we are connected with our inner selves. 

What apps or methods do you use to be more productive? 

I use voice dictation for memos and emails, rely on newspaper apps for quick news summaries, and use Yoga Nidra (which means sleep in Sanskrit) to relax, recharge and recover from jet lag. It helps me to keep focused and stay balanced. 

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Who is on your “personal board”? 

My wife, daughters, brother and parents, a few very old close friends and perhaps too many current or former partners and colleagues. 

Tree Energy Solutions

Tree Energy Solutions

Getting personal

What book have you read, either recently or in the past, that has inspired you?

There are way too many books that have inspired me! But recently I’ve been really impacted by “Breath” by James Nestor. This book delves into the science and history of breathing, something so fundamental yet often overlooked. Nestor explains how proper breathing can improve health, boost performance, and even lengthen lifespan. As entrepreneurs and managers, we often focus on external achievements and driving change, but sometimes we neglect the basics, like how to breathe correctly. Learning and practicing effective breathing techniques has been a game-changer for me. It’s a powerful management tool that helps in maintaining focus, reducing stress and increasing overall well-being. This book has taught me the importance of embodying what we learn, not just accumulating knowledge. 

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If you could ask your idol one question, who would it be, and what would you ask? 

I would ask Leonardo da Vinci how he managed to be a painter, sculptor, engineer, architect, biologist and much more, all at once, and excel in so many fields, simultaneously remaining authentic and faithful to his true multiple selves. 

As a consumer, what is your favorite company and why? 

I love handmade artisanal products. There are few brands that resonate, and Patagonia stands out for its values, commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. 

Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images

And to end on a lighter note: What was the last costume you wore? 

I wore my Azerbaijani Caspian Sea fisherman hat – it looks like a massive white mass of hair. 

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