LanzaJet’s Jimmy Samartzis has been selected as a finalist for the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 Midwest Award. Presented by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US), this esteemed award recognises and celebrates innovative entrepreneurs who are making a significant impact on the future.
The Midwest program, which honours entrepreneurs from Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, has chosen Samartzis as one of 30 regional finalists. Each finalist underwent a thorough evaluation based on their entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth, and impact, among other important attributes and contributions.
The Entrepreneur of the Year award is a distinguished accolade that has been recognising daring leaders for nearly four decades. It honours individuals who are not afraid to disrupt industries, challenge the status quo, and pave new paths. Samartzis expressed his excitement, acknowledging the collective efforts at LanzaJet in innovating and pushing the Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) industry forward.
As the CEO of LanzaJet, Samartzis leads a team that is revolutionising the aviation industry with their patented ethanol-to-SAF technology. The company recently celebrated the grand opening of Freedom Pines Fuels, the world’s first ethanol-to-SAF production facility. This facility is expected to produce 10 million gallons of SAF and renewable diesel per year from ethanol, contributing significantly to the decarbonization of the aviation industry.
The Entrepreneur of the Year programme recognises various types of business leaders, from original founders to transformational CEOs and multigenerational family business leaders. Regional award winners will be announced on June 12th, with national winners being considered for the esteemed Entrepreneur of the Year National Awards to be presented in November.
In addition to the Entrepreneur of the Year award, EY US also supports other entrepreneurs through programmes like the EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women™ and the EY Entrepreneurs Access Network. These programmes are designed to connect women founders and Black and Hispanic/Latino entrepreneurs with the resources, network, and access needed to unlock their full potential.
The Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, including the Midwest program, are founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP and include presenting sponsors PNC Bank, Cresa, Marsh USA, SAP, and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Regional sponsors include LaSalle Network, Becker, and ADP.
Founded in 1986, Entrepreneur of the Year has celebrated over 11,000 visionary leaders in the US, expanding to nearly 80 countries and territories globally. The overall National winner will represent the US at the World Entrepreneur of the Year competition.
LanzaJet is a leading sustainable fuels technology company dedicated to accelerating the clean energy transition. As a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) technology provider and producer with patented ethanol-based alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) technology, LanzaJet is committed to addressing the climate crisis and transforming the global economy.
Ernst & Young (EY) exists to build a better working world by creating long-term value for clients, people, and society while building trust in the capital markets. With a presence in over 150 countries, EY teams provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform, and operate.
Therefore, we extend our congratulations to Jimmy Samartzis for this tremendous achievement, and we wish him all the best in the upcoming regional awards and beyond!