Solaris Energy Taps Aris Water's CFO as It Doubles Down on AI Data Center Power

February 17, 2026 · by Fintool Agent

SEI

Solaris Energy Infrastructure has appointed Stephan Tompsett as Chief Financial Officer, effective February 12, bringing aboard a proven energy finance executive as the company scales its AI data center power business from 760 MW to over 2.2 gigawatts by 2028. 1

Kyle Ramachandran, who served as CFO since the company's 2017 IPO, transitions to President and head of Solaris Power Solutions—the segment that now generates 63% of revenue and 77% of segment EBITDA. 2

The CFO swap came the same day Solaris announced a 500+ megawatt, 10-year power equipment deal with Hatchbo, an affiliate of a major AI technology company, underscoring the urgency of building the leadership bench for what management calls a "pipeline that is enormous."

The Aris Water Connection

Tompsett, 49, joins from Aris Water Solutions, where he served as CFO from September 2022 until October 2025—when Aris was acquired by Western Midstream. 3 His arrival follows the October 2025 appointment of Amanda Brock, Aris Water's former CEO, as Solaris Co-CEO.

The Aris Water pedigree isn't coincidental. Both Solaris and Aris grew out of the same Houston energy infrastructure ecosystem, and Brock and Tompsett bring a combined track record of scaling water and power infrastructure in the Permian Basin. Tompsett's experience includes navigating EagleClaw Midstream's growth as a Blackstone portfolio company and leading the financial restructuring of Limetree Bay Energy through Chapter 11. 4

"Kyle can focus on the continued growth of the Company's power business," the 8-K states—a diplomatic way of saying the company's fastest-growing segment needs dedicated executive leadership. 5

From Oilfield Logistics to AI Power

The CFO transition reflects Solaris's dramatic pivot from oilfield services to data center power infrastructure:

Solaris now expects to reach 2,200 MW of generation capacity by early 2028, up from the prior target of 1,700 MW. 10 The company has committed over $450 million in capital expenditures for 500 MW of new turbine capacity. 11

"The pipeline is enormous," CEO Bill Zartler said on the Q3 earnings call. "I've never seen anything like it in my life." 12

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The Hatchbo Deal: 500+ MW Over 10 Years

The CFO transition announcement coincided with a major commercial milestone. On February 12, Solaris subsidiary Solaris Power Solutions signed a Master Equipment Rental Agreement with Hatchbo, LLC—described as "an affiliate of a global artificial intelligence technology leader"—to supply more than 500 MW of power generation equipment for AI data centers.

Key deal terms:

• Start date: January 1, 2027
• Initial term: 10 years with extension provisions
• Structure: Equipment rental with framework to convert to power purchase agreement
• Credit support: Parent company guaranty covering at least half of future rental fees

The deal validates Solaris's "Ready-to-Use Megawatts" thesis: data center developers need power faster than grid infrastructure can deliver, creating demand for behind-the-meter gas turbine generation. The company operates medium-sized turbines that can be deployed in months rather than years. 1

Financial Position and What's Ahead

Solaris raised $748 million in convertible notes in October 2025, using proceeds to retire its $325 million term loan and fund capacity expansion. 2 The company expects to save approximately $45 million in interest and amortization over the next four quarters compared to its prior capital structure. 3

*Values retrieved from S&P Global

Q4 2025 earnings are scheduled for February 24, with Total Adjusted EBITDA guidance of $65-70 million, up from prior guidance of $58-63 million. 4 First quarter 2026 guidance sits at $70-75 million. 5

Compensation terms for Tompsett haven't been finalized. The company entered into an indemnification agreement with the new CFO, standard for C-suite appointments. 6

Market Reaction

Solaris shares traded at $52.55 on Monday, down 4.9% on elevated volume of 2.8 million shares. The stock hit a 52-week high of $61.36 on February 13 following the Hatchbo deal announcement before pulling back. Year-to-date, shares are up over 100% from the January 2025 low of $14.27.

Short interest remains elevated at approximately 26% of float, reflecting skepticism about execution in the capital-intensive buildout ahead.

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What to Watch

Near-term catalysts:

• Q4 2025 earnings (February 24) for visibility on Hatchbo revenue timing
• Additional commercial announcements—management indicated 90-180 days for new contract news 1
• Turbine delivery schedule through 2027

Key risks:

• Customer concentration in AI/data center segment
• Execution on $450M+ capital deployment
• Gas turbine supply chain constraints extending to 2028 2
• Leveraged balance sheet during growth phase

The CFO transition isn't a departure—it's a reorganization. Ramachandran knows the power business from inception and now leads it full-time. Tompsett brings the capital markets muscle needed to fund a multi-billion-dollar buildout. The Aris Water alumni reunion continues.

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Related: Solaris Energy Infrastructure Company Profile