The Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) is proud to announce that UChicago alumnus and LanzaJet CEO Jimmy Samartzis (BA ’98) has joined the EPIC Advisory Group. The Advisory Group, which provides high-level strategic advice to EPIC leadership across all core areas of focus, consists of leading practitioners from diverse fields within the energy and climate sector.
Samartzis is the Chief Executive Officer of LanzaJet, Inc., a global leader in sustainable fuels technology and production. Under his leadership, LanzaJet has expanded to over 25 countries, driving innovations in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel production, including building the world’s first commercial Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) biorefinery.
“As an alumnus of the University of Chicago, I’m proud to join EPIC’s Advisory Group,” Samartzis said. “The University’s commitment to rigorous, data-driven research and its impact on shaping the global energy and climate landscape align with the values and approach I have held throughout my career. EPIC’s ability to bridge academic insight with real-world application is critical as we tackle the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition.”
Samartzis has spent the majority of his career focused on climate change, advancing the decarbonization of industries reliant on fossil fuels. His work in the airline industry led to pioneering test flights, the first commercial-scale renewable jet fuel deal and commercial production, and a global industry agreement to enable a reduction in aviation emissions and adoption of sustainable fuels. Additionally, he has led a global coalition of stakeholders across the value chain to break down the barriers of the commercialization of renewable fuels.
“Jimmy is a pioneer in energy innovation,” said EPIC director Michael Greenstone. “What he is doing through LanzaJet has the potential to have a profound impact on the world’s climate challenge. His real-world experience and perspective will be incredibly valuable to EPIC as we work to identify areas where new research is needed, as well as the key decisionmakers who could utilize this research. We’re thrilled to welcome Jimmy to the EPIC Advisory Group.”
Samzartis’s past career journey spans leadership roles at United Airlines and top consulting firms, along with service in the White House and the US Department of Labor. He previously served on the Board of Directors for Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.
“Jimmy is a true innovator who is passionate about driving the aviation sector into the future with sustainable fuels and skilled at bringing stakeholders together to move towards progress. I look forward to working with him to help EPIC further its impact through real-world insights,” said the chair of the Advisory Group, Jeff Currie (PhD ’96), the chief strategy officer of Energy Pathways, Carlyle. Peter Gutman (MBA ’90), advisor at Blue Bear Capital, serves as the Advisory Group’s co-chair.
Samzartis earned his BA from the University of Chicago in 1998 and holds graduate degrees from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Oxford.