German transmission system operator 50Hertz has appointed Stefan Kapferer as its new chief executive.
He replaces interim chief executive Frank Golletz, who took on the role in March when former CEO Boris Schucht left the company.
Golletz continues to work at the company in his position as chief technical officer.
Kapferer (pictured, centre) was formerly head of BDEW, the German Association of Energy and Water Industries.
He said: “The next phase of the realisation of the energy transition is an even greater challenge in terms of entrepreneurship and the European side of things.
“TSOs play an essential role here – and 50Hertz in particular is extremely well prepared – as a part of the Elia Group and when it comes to being a pioneer in the integration of energy from renewable sources into our grids.
“The imminent nuclear phase-out and the future coal phase-out lead to the fact that the issues of security of supply and the generation of capacities will be on top of our agenda.”
Kapferer added that since the expansion of onshore wind becomes more difficult it is important to make the right decisions when it comes to offshore wind.
50Hertz supervisory board head Chris Peeters said: “The energy transition is without a doubt a great challenge for our society.
“In order to make the next phase happen with benefits for everyone involved and affected, we need high level executive staff and skilled managers.
“That is why we are very pleased to be able to welcome Stefan Kapferer amongst us at Elia Group as the new 50Hertz-CEO.
“His experience as state secretary and head of BDEW show that he has great knowledge in the field of energy as well as concerning the political developments, which we are all going through.
“Since he was deputy secretary general of the OECD in Paris his CV is also not short of wide international experiences.
“This matches well with our ambitions. I am convinced that Kapferer’s skills combined with the technical know-how of our staff will result in a great future for 50Hertz.
“Together we work for our goal: a successful energy transition.”