Orsted North America President David Hardy is stepping into the role of chief executive of the company’s North American offshore division, replacing Thomas Brostrom with immediate effect.
Brostrom will be relocating to Europe for a renewable energy leadership role with a global energy company, said Orsted.
Hardy (pictured, left) joined Orsted in May of this year as president and chief operating officer, from Senvion.
He will oversee all North American offshore wind activities, including development and operations for Orsted’s current and future portfolio of US projects.
Brostrom joined Orsted in 2009 and had led Orsted Offshore North America since the summer of 2015.
During his tenure as CEO, Orsted acquired Deepwater Wind, won several state offshore wind power auctions, and installed America’s first offshore wind turbines in federal waters.
Brostrom said: “Looking back at all we have achieved in a relatively short period of time, I am immensely proud of every employee and every project that has helped drive our success.
“The Orsted Offshore NA team is in very capable hands with David, and I am confident that he, and the whole Offshore NA senior leadership team, will continue the great progress we have started here.”
Orsted Offshore Wind CEO and global executive vice president Martin Neubert said: “I thank Thomas for all of his efforts and accomplishments, and we look forward to building upon his success.
“David’s strong commercial experience and deep knowledge of the wind power industry will be a huge asset for Orsted, and for an industry that is poised to become a dominant source of energy for millions of Americans.
“His leadership comes at a time when the U.S. is looking to renewable energy to help drive job creation, economic growth, and solutions to minimize the impacts of climate change.”
Hardy said: “I’ve long recognised the potential of offshore wind to transform our country’s energy landscape.
“After working with this team over the past seven months, even in the midst of a global pandemic, I am more confident than ever in Orsted’s ability to renew and revitalise America’s economy.
“There are countless individuals who are looking for not only new jobs, but also a sustainable way of life and a thriving planet.
“Orsted can uniquely fulfil all these needs. I will work tirelessly with our team to deliver on these promises to all stakeholders and to create a future we can all be proud of.”