Christopher Efird

Chairperson & CEO
NXTClean Fuels

Christopher Efird combines thirty years of entrepreneurship with extensive energy, financial, and US public market experience across a variety of types and sizes of companies. He co-founded NEXT Renewable Fuels in 2016 and currently serves as the company’s Chairperson and Chief Executive where he oversees all the company’s business and development activities.

Chris has led or co-led investment into twenty-nine growth stage businesses in the US and internationally. Of these, eighteen became public in the United States including two each on the New York Stock Exchange and American Stock Exchange, and seven on the NASDAQ. Previously, Chris co-founded and managed two related private equity funds that invested in companies operating across a wide variety of industries, including energy, technology, and manufacturing. 

A native of Houston, TX, Chris grew up in the traditional energy industry. He previously served as the Chairperson of a pipeline construction company and has funded the turn-around / restart of a biodiesel production facility as well as the feasibility and initial site design and development of a world-scale LPG export terminal. He has long-term relationships across the energy economy and value chain which he is now actively leveraging to position NXTClean as a leader in the provision of drop-in replacement clean fuels. 

Chris is a graduate of the Advanced Management and Leadership program at Oxford University’s SaÏd School of Business. In addition, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University and a Master of Arts degree from Sam Houston State University.