U.S. Venture has promoted Mike Koel to president of U.S. Gain, the compressed natural gas division of the company.

Koel is tasked with continuing to build the Gain Clean Fuel brand and generate awareness of CNG as a clean option for fleets. He will also focus on expanding natural gas distribution channels for U.S. Gain.

“Mike has a passion for CNG and he led the thought process behind U.S. Venture entering into the CNG business,” said John Schmidt, U.S. Venture president and CEO. “He spearheaded the start of Gain Clean Fuel and his vision has led to new opportunities for the company.”

Koel was previously the vice president of business development for the U.S. Oil division. He joined U.S. Venture in 2001 as a trader, focused on refined products and ethanol supply. He has previous experience in the oil industry as well, including nine years as a natural gas trader and supply manager for Kaztex Energy Management, WPS Energy Services, and Howard Energy.