SET Lessons Learned Seminar: Industry Perspective from DTE Energy

Date: March 18, 2026
Time: 11:00–11:50 a.m.
Location: Engineering & Technology Building, Room 116

The School of Engineering and Technology invites students, faculty, and staff to attend an upcoming Lessons Learned Seminar featuring Robert A. Richard, President and Chief Operating Officer of DTE Gas.

During this guest lecture, Richard will provide an industry perspective on DTE Energy, including the company’s impact across Michigan and the critical work being done within Gas Operations. He will also discuss how engineering principles are applied to complex, real-world challenges in the energy industry.

As part of the seminar’s “Lessons Learned” focus, Richard will share a significant engineering challenge he encountered during his career. Through this experience, he will highlight key lessons that shaped his approach to engineering problem-solving, leadership, and decision-making in large-scale energy operations.

About the Speaker

Robert A. Richard is the president and chief operating officer of DTE Gas, DTE Energy’s natural gas utility serving 1.3 million homes and businesses across Michigan. He oversees all aspects of utility gas operations, including gas sales, distribution, and storage services.

Richard joined DTE Energy in 2003 and has held several senior leadership roles, including executive vice president of IT, Customer Service and Corporate Services, and senior vice president of Major Enterprise Projects and Customer Service.

Before joining DTE, he served as vice president of operations and process improvement at Bethlehem Steel and spent 13 years at General Electric in multiple leadership positions, including senior executive for GE LEXAN Americas Manufacturing.

Richard earned both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from The Ohio State University and completed the Nuclear Reactor Technology program at MIT. He is also a certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt and recipient of the Whitney Award for technical achievement at GE.

He currently serves on the Engineering Advisory Boards for Central Michigan University and Oakland University, is president of the Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD) board of directors, and is a board member of the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS).