Cox Enterprises has appointed two experienced clean technology executives to lead its cleantech operations and investment strategy as the company continues to expand its presence in the sector.
The Atlanta-based, privately held company announced that Bill Nussey has joined as senior vice president of Cleantech, while Matt Perkins has been appointed vice president of Cleantech.
The two executives will oversee the company’s cleantech initiatives, focusing on expanding existing businesses, developing investment strategies and identifying new opportunities across the industry.
Company Builds on More Than $3 Billion in Cleantech Investments
Cox Enterprises has committed more than $3 billion to cleantech businesses and solutions, with investments covering areas such as plastics recycling, greenhouse agriculture and early-stage climate innovation.
The company said its long-term investment approach is shaped by its private, family-owned structure and focus on supporting businesses designed for sustainable growth.
Nussey and Perkins will take responsibility for advancing these investments, working with companies within Cox’s portfolio to support their expansion while identifying additional opportunities in the cleantech market.
Bill Nussey to Oversee Growth and Investment Strategy
In his new role as senior vice president of Cleantech, Nussey will work with leaders of portfolio companies to expand their operations, shape Cox’s investment strategy and identify opportunities for further growth.
He brings extensive executive experience, having served as CEO of four companies.
He previously built software company Silverpop to nearly 1,000 employees before its acquisition by IBM.
He also led iXL through its initial public offering, which saw the company reach a market valuation of $3 billion.
Throughout his career, Nussey has been involved in acquiring and integrating dozens of businesses.
His work in clean energy dates back to 2017.
Before joining Cox, he was a partner at Tech Square Ventures, where he led cleantech investments and managed Engage, an enterprise accelerator and venture fund supported by 15 major corporations in the Southeast, including Cox Enterprises.
Nussey is also the author of Freeing Energy.
He was named a 2022 U.S. Department of Energy Clean Energy Champion and has delivered a TED talk on the future of energy.
Matt Perkins to Focus on Portfolio Operations and New Investments
Perkins will serve as vice president of Cleantech, working directly with companies in Cox’s investment portfolio to support their growth and operations.
He will also contribute to identifying and assessing potential investments.
He joins the company from Alaska Renewables, which he co-founded and led as chief executive officer.
During his time there, he established the business as a developer of large-scale wind, solar, battery and geothermal projects.
The company subsequently sold its first project portfolio to Longroad Energy.
Before Alaska Renewables, Perkins worked as chief product officer at Rondo Energy, an industrial heat storage company.
He also served as chief marketing officer at 7AC Technologies, an HVAC startup acquired by Emerson in 2020.
Perkins has worked in cleantech since 2006, beginning his career at General Electric (GE).
During his time at the company, he helped launch its solar product lines, undertook several assignments in China and co-founded an energy optimisation business that later became Current.
Cox Enterprises’ Business Portfolio
Cox Enterprises is a global, privately held company with business interests across several industries.
Its operations and investments span automotive, broadband and mobile services, greenhouse agriculture, cleantech and journalism.
The appointments of Nussey and Perkins place the company’s cleantech activities under the leadership of two executives with experience in business development, clean energy technology, investment and corporate growth.
