WindEurope’s board of directors has elected RWE Renewables offshore wind chief executive Sven Utermohlen as its new chair for an 18-month term.
The board also appointed Vestas head of global public affairs Kresten Ornbjerg as the new vice-chair.
WindEurope chief executive Giles Dickson said: “In Sven Utermohlen WindEurope have elected a highly experienced and capable CEO to serve as its Chair for the next 18 months.”.
Utermohlen said: “I am honoured to be elected to represent the full value chain of wind energy in Europe – an industry contributing, through jobs and innovation, to building a low-carbon future.
“A faster expansion of wind energy is particularly important if we are to achieve the European climate targets and the goal of greater energy sovereignty.
“Society, our political leaders, and we as industry have to take on greater responsibility to make this work and, above all, seize the opportunities that arise from the energy transition.
“To accelerate the build-out of wind energy key decisions have to be made now.
“Faster planning and approval procedures are particularly needed. More than ever, energy policy is security policy.
“Delivering the Green Deal is a climate and security imperative. The wind industry is determined to deliver, even in these challenging times.”
He has been working in the energy sector since 1993, holding different positions at Royal Dutch/Shell International, Eon and RWE Renewables.
Utermohlen has been RWE Renewables offshore wind chief executive since August 2021.
Ornbjerg said: “I am honoured to be elected as vice-chairman of WindEurope. A thriving wind industry is key to strengthening Europe’s economy, and its energy security.
“I look forward to working closely with our members to ensure the right policy frameworks are implemented, so the wind industry can deliver our investment in Europe’s energy systems, and build the scale needed to meet Europe’s climate goals.”