Former Vattenfall offshore wind head Michael Simmelsgaard (pictured) has been appointed as Ramboll’s new global energy division managing director, replacing Thomas Rand.
Rand, who has decided to retire after 10 years as managing director for energy and 41 years at Ramboll, will continue in the company in a role as senior advisor to the new managing director as well as the group.
At Vattenfall Simmelsgaard was globally responsible for the utility’s offshore wind activities, covering market development, engineering, design, construction, operations and asset management of offshore wind plants. He left the company recently.
Ramboll stated that a “key task” for Simmelsgaard will be to take the consultancy’s global energy division to the “next level based on the company’s unique holistic offering” in relation to integrated energy systems.
Ramboll chief operating officer Soren Holm Johansen said, “Our ambition is to be globally recognised as the sustainable society consultant successfully guiding our clients through the green transition.
“Michael T Simmelsgaard has a deep strategic insight into the change that the energy sector undergoes these years and he knows our clients’ needs from first-hand experience. This makes him the right person to lead the next step on our journey as a leading player in the energy industry.”
Simmelsgaard added: “I find it truly inspiring to be working for a company with such a clear mission and so strong values as Ramboll. To take part in the transformation of the energy sector is a key motivation factor for me and Ramboll is one of the global leaders in energy consulting.
“It will be a privilege for me to lead the many thought leaders in the company and this way impact the global energy market.”