The Gas Co. has named Jeffrey Kissel president and chief executive officer, effective Dec. 17.

Kissel, a University of Hawai'i graduate who started his career at the Gas Co., was most recently president and chief executive officer of Safe Renewables Corp., a commercial producer of biodiesel and a pioneer in the production of renewable fuel for large-scale power generation in Texas.

Kissel has more than 20 years of experience in the utility, petroleum, engineering and construction industries. He has spent the past 10 years focusing on environmental engineering, renewable energy and environmental remediation.

"It is a privilege to return to Hawai'i to lead the state's premier gas energy provider," Kissel said.

Kissel also serves as a director and chairman of the Audit Committee of ML Macadamia Orchards, the world's largest producer of macadamia nuts.

The Gas Co. is Hawai'i's leading gas energy provider and has been the state's only full-service gas energy company for more than 100 years. The company has more than 300 employees and 1,000 miles of gas lines statewide. It provides gas energy and related services to 67,000 commercial and residential customers on O'ahu, the Big Island, Maui, Kaua'i, Moloka'i and Lana'i.

The Gas Co. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Macquarie Infrastructure Co.