Charles Melcher, a seasoned C-Suite executive in manufacturing, operations and technology development within energy, environmental services and hazardous waste sector, has a track record of driving business growth through turnarounds, acquisitions, organic development and geographic diversification.
Charles held various Senior Executive roles within Veolia North America (N.A.), a division of Veolia Environment S.A. a French global Fortune 500 company, Vicinity Energy and Keystone Shipping. He gained significant international experience through partnering with commercial businesses and governmental organizations to assist in their most complex operations in energy, waste and disposal challenges.
Charles led the successful turnaround of the Veolia Nuclear Services group as Chief Executive for six companies with operations in Europe, North America and Asia at the request of the global CEO. Within 16 months, grew revenues from $70M to $180M, completed a $35M acquisition, and implemented a strategic development plan for $400M to be realized in three years.
In his previous role as SVP Canada & Central United States for Veolia N.A., Charles was chief executive for five international business lines with $250M P&L, 1000 employees, 70 manufacturing and operations business units in Energy, Water, Waste Water, Biosolids Production, and Hospital Facilities Management. Through strategic realignment, integration and business development restructuring, he increased revenue by $25M and reduced overhead by 30%. His was the only North American region to exceed revenue and net margin targets, exceeding budgeted net margin by 6%.
Charles joined Veolia N.A. as the VP Operations for Veolia Energy N.A., Central United States. As the Senior Executive for two regional business lines he held responsibility for $80M P&L, 200 employees and 12 industrial energy and biosolids manufacturing facilities. He led the turnarounds of multiple business units restoring Kansas City and Saint Louis operations to profitability and avoided impairment of the waste pelletizer business, reducing operating costs by $13M and increasing production efficiency 33%.
Prior to his business career, Charles held multiple senior positions in the US Navy including commanding both a Nuclear Submarine and one of the Navy’s largest Naval Bases consisting of six Naval Installations and a regional Navy hospital. He was responsible for operations, security, budgeting, energy management, infrastructure renewal and facilities master plan development. He additionally served as a DOD program manager and as a nuclear submarine officer at sea on four nuclear submarines; positions included Commanding Officer, Executive Officer and Chief Engineer.
Charles Board affiliations include: Board Director for Kurion Japan Kabushiki Kaisha; Board Member, VNS Federal Services; Board Member/Private Equity Operational Advisor, Collectif Sante Montreal; Board Member/Executive Director, Norfolk United Soccer Club; and Board Member, Up Center.
He earned an MBA, from Johns Hopkins University; Masters (eq) in Nuclear Engineering, from the Naval Nuclear Power School and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering, from the United States Naval Academy. He is a certified Department Of Defense Program Manager and is qualified in Nuclear Plant Operation and Supervision. He holds specialty certification in Financial Management and Naval Engineering.