The NKT board of directors has appointed Claes Westerlind as President and CEO of the cable manufacturer.
Westerlind (pictured), who replaces Alexander Kara as CEO, has in-depth knowledge of NKT’s high-voltage business, markets and technology.
The appointment will strengthen NKT’s execution of ReNew BOOST as well as the execution of the recently announced expansions of Karlskrona, Sweden.
Westerlind, a Swedish citizen, joined NKT in 2017 when it acquired ABB HV Cables in Sweden.
Since 2019, he has held the position as Executive Vice President, Solutions Karlskrona, and been a member of the global leadership team in NKT.
Together with the “strong and seasoned team”, Westerlind has been instrumental in securing the record-high order backlog in the high-voltage business as well as leading the investment and expansion programmes in Karlskrona launched in 2020.
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Jens Due Olsen, said: “The Board of Directors is pleased to announce Claes Westerlind as the new CEO. Since 2019, Claes has been the Executive Vice President of our high-voltage business in Karlskrona, Sweden, which contributes a significant part of the company’s improved results.
“He has been a pivotal leader focusing on building high performing teams, demonstrating strategic acumen, ability to execute complex expansion plans and deliver long term shareholder value through customer centric and innovative solutions.
“With the appointment of Claes as the new CEO of NKT, we have found the right profile to further strengthen our power cable business and continue positioning us to benefit from the green transition and electrification of societies.”
Westerlind added: “I am delighted by the trust from the Board of Directors giving me the opportunity to lead the next stages of our strategic journey.
“I am passionate about the power cable business, and it is a privilege for me to lead a company with such a long heritage and tremendous potential given the strong market outlook for power cable solutions.
“I look forward to continuing the focus on growth, innovation and sustainability together with the global leadership team and all the NKT colleagues around the world.”