Axpo has appointed Klaus Heckenberger (pictured) as head of its wind division and CEO of subsidiary Volkswind, succeeding Katja Stommel who will step down on 1 November at her own request.
Stommel, who has led Volkswind since its foundation in 1993 and played a central role in its growth into a European wind developer, will hand over to Heckenberger after a short transition period.
Heckenberger, most recently managing director at Eurowind Energy, has 15 years’ experience in the sector, including senior roles at UKA Nord and Energiequelle. He studied electrical engineering at Karlsruhe and wind energy and hydrogen technologies at Oldenburg.
Axpo deputy chief executive Andy Heinz said: “With Katja’s departure, we are saying goodbye to an entrepreneur who has shaped the success story of wind energy within Axpo over the past ten years. We thank her sincerely for her contribution.
“With Klaus Heckenberger, we are gaining an experienced leader with great passion for wind energy, who will continue to develop this important business area with determination.”
Stommel will focus on her family office’s agriculture and forestry business after leaving Axpo.