Aternium names Scott Malfitano chief operating officer

Aternium on Nov. 9 said longtime Delaware business and civic leader Scott Malfitano will serve as chief operating officer as the company moves toward construction of its first heavy water and clean hydrogen facility in Wilmington. The hire adds an experienced operator to a project tied to Delaware manufacturing and the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub.

Why it matters: - Aternium is entering the construction and operations phase of its first production facility in Delaware. - The company is building infrastructure meant to produce deuterium and high-purity hydrogen through PEM electrolysis. - The leadership change adds operational oversight as Aternium works to deliver the project safely, on time, on budget and at scale. - Aternium is also a founding partner in the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub, linking the project to a broader regional energy strategy.

What happened: - Aternium named Scott Malfitano as chief operating officer on Nov. 9, 2026. - Malfitano also serves on Aternium’s Board of Directors. - The company is based in Delaware and is developing a first-of-its-kind manufacturing facility in the state. - Andrew Cottone, Aternium’s founder and CEO, said Malfitano’s arrival strengthens the company’s ability to turn vision into execution.

The details: - As COO, Malfitano will oversee construction, supply chains, staffing and day-to-day operations. - Malfitano brings nearly 35 years of construction and corporate operating leadership. - Malfitano spent more than three decades in leadership roles at CSC. - At CSC, Malfitano managed development and construction of the company’s global headquarters. - Malfitano also launched CSC Station, a coworking innovation hub in Wilmington, Delaware. - Malfitano helped expand CSC’s eRecording business, which educated more than 3,600 county clerks and recorder offices on paperless processes. - Malfitano launched CSC’s Business License & Permit business. - Malfitano also helped pioneer CSC’s online incorporation services. - Malfitano began his career in government with the New York State Comptroller’s office. - Malfitano has worked for multiple federal and state political leaders. - Governor Matt Meyer reappointed Malfitano as chair of the Delaware Workforce Development Board in August 2024. - Malfitano has served on the Board of Governors of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, the GEAR P3 Taskforce, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, the B+ Foundation and Nativity Prep School. - Malfitano founded the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation and Intern Delaware.

Between the lines: - The hire signals Aternium wants experienced execution leadership before major buildout work ramps up. - Malfitano’s background in both private-sector operations and public service suggests the company is leaning on regional relationships as much as technical delivery. - The project’s tie to clean hydrogen and advanced manufacturing fits national priorities around energy security and supply chains.

What’s next: - Aternium will continue advancing construction and operations for the Delaware facility. - Malfitano will help coordinate the company’s staffing, supply chain and site delivery efforts. - The company’s progress will likely be measured by how quickly it can translate the facility plan into production capacity.

The bottom line: - Aternium is betting that an experienced Delaware operator can help turn an ambitious hydrogen and heavy water project into a working industrial asset.