Mikaila Adams
OGFJ Associate Editor
Matt R. Simmons, founder and former head of Simmons & Co. International, passed away from an apparent heart attack on Aug. 8 at his home in Maine.
Simmons was well known in the energy industry and around the world for his bold predictions on “peak oil” and the future of energy.
He had recently parted ways with Simmons & Co. International to concentrate his efforts on The Ocean Energy Institute, a think-tank and venture capital fund addressing the challenges of US offshore renewable energy. The institute, which he founded in 2007, approaches energy R&D and investment from a systems point of view; not just generation, but usage, storage and transmission all together as an interdependent set of opportunities and the next driving force of the international economy.
In August of 2008, OGFJ Editor Don Stowers sat down with Simmons to talk about his efforts to turn the world’s eye to other forms of energy.
"We are deeply saddened by the unexpected loss of a true visionary and friend. As a pivotal figure in the lives of many of our employees, and countless others across the energy industry, Matt will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time,” said Simmons & Co. chairman, president, and CEO Michael E. Frazier on the company website.
Simmons was 67.
Source: Houston Business Journal