TAE Technologies, a fusion energy company, has appointed Cedric Burgher as chief financial officer. Burgher brings over 20 years of financial leadership experience from publicly traded energy companies, having previously served as CFO at Occidental Petroleum, QR Energy and KBR. The appointment comes as TAE advances towards commercialisation after 25 years of research and development. The company announced earlier this year that site selection for its first fusion power plant is underway, with construction expected to begin in 2026 following regulatory approvals and completion of its previously announced merger with Trump Media & Technology Group. Burgher will oversee accounting, finance, capital markets and investor relations, focusing on scaling public-company-ready processes as TAE works towards developing commercial utility-scale fusion energy.

Trump Media shares surged 32% intraday following the announcement of a definitive merger agreement with TAE Technologies on 18 December 2025. The stock transaction, valued at over $6 billion, will create the first publicly listed fusion energy company. The merger combines Trump Media's capital with TAE's fusion technology, with plans to launch the world's first commercial-scale 50MW fusion power plant in 2026. The initiative aims to support US artificial intelligence leadership and energy security. Trump Media provided $200 million in cash upfront and an additional $100 million following the initial Form S-4 filing to accelerate fusion technology commercialisation. The deal represents a significant pivot for the media company into the energy sector.