Veolia has been ranked the top environmental services company in the United States by Engineering News-Record for five consecutive years. It is also the country’s largest private water services operator and technology provider. Nadège Petit (UTC 04), CEO of Veolia in North America, believes that “there is nothing this company cannot accomplish when we work together.” Ready to join her team?
Six months after taking the helm of Veolia in North America, why would you say that this role has never been more relevant?
Around the world, the geopolitical landscape, climate change, resource scarcity, and growing regulatory complexity are all converging to make water, energy, and critical raw materials not only sustainability issues—of course—but also security issues. This reinforces our purpose: to deliver environmental security. Every day, I see that our mission is not simply to provide services: we build resilience, competitiveness, and long-term confidence of our clients and the communities they serve. These convictions shape my three priorities for 2026–2027 : Growth, growth, growth!
Veolia also plays a vital role in supporting the sustainable growth of the AI industry.
Right now, somewhere in the United States, a data center is under construction that will consume more electricity and water than a small city. Semiconductor manufacturers are investing billions to expand domestic production. Pharmaceutical companies are scaling the next generation of life-saving therapies. Across industries, America is experiencing the largest wave of industrial infrastructure investments in decades. The companies leading this transformation need a strategic partner that enables growth while protecting the resources on which that growth depends. That partner is Veolia. For data centers, Veolia’s next-generation integrated solutions offer the potential for up to 20% energy reuse, a 75% reduction in water footprint, and up to 95% waste recycling and recovery. In fact, the companies building the AI economy are choosing Veolia, not simply as a supplier, but as a strategic partner. Together, they are reimagining how water, energy and waste can become sources of resilience, competitive advantage and community value, rather than operational constraints.
As a CEO in the U.S. today, international experience has been a cornerstone of your career. What advice would you offer to recent graduates embarking on their first international assignment ?
Approach this experience with curiosity rather than certainty. Spend time understanding the local context before trying to change it. Listen carefully, ask questions, and invest in relationships. Your technical knowledge may earn you credibility, but it’s your ability to learn, adapt, and build trust that will determine your long-term impact. Finally, make the most of this experience beyond the project itself. Build a network that spans countries and cultures. Capture what you learn and share these lessons with your colleagues when you return. An international assignment isn’t just about delivering a project abroad, it’s about bringing new perspectives back home.
When you were a student at UTC, did you ever imagine that one day you would hold such a high-level executive position?
At the time, I was focused on learning, exploring opportunities, and discovering the world. Looking back, I realize that UTC gave me the foundation for the international career I would eventually build. It was a modern, flexible university with a truly global outlook. Through the Erasmus program, I spent a semester at Politecnico di Milano, where I learned Italian and experienced another culture. At UTC, I also learned Spanish and benefited from an education that combined scientific excellence with a broad international perspective. The first word that comes to mind when I hear “UTC” is “international.” That’s where I developed the curiosity, openness, and confidence needed to seize opportunities across borders.
Key figures about Veolia in North America
16,000 employees serving more than 500 client sites across the U.S. and Canada
5.2 millions tons of waste managed
33 fully permitted treatment storage and disposal facilities
Water operations: 16.5 Million people served
Energy: 1,200+ MW electricity under management & 60,000+ utility-grade meters under management via Hubgrade™
Contact : Nadege Petit : us.vna.officeofthepresident.mailbox@veolia.com
