Siemens Gamesa has appointed a new chief executive to take the reins from Andreas Nauen. The German (pictured) steps down after only 18 months in charge of the loss-making turbine manufacturer.
Executive board member Jochen Eickholt will take the reins on 1 March, the German-Spanish outfit said on Wednesday evening.
Eickholt joined the Siemens Energy executive board in January 2020 where he is responsible for the power generation and industrial applications businesses as well Asia-Pacific and China.
He has been with Siemens for more than 20 years in various roles.
Miguel Angel Lopez, chairman of the Board of Directors, said on Nauen’s appointment in June 2020 that he was expected to stabilise the company’s struggling onshore wind unit.
This evening, Lopez said: “Siemens Gamesa is experiencing significant challenges in its Onshore business in a very difficult market and we have appointed an executive with a strong track record in managing complex operational situations and in successfully turning around underperforming businesses.”
He added: “The Board would like to thank Andreas for his considerable efforts as CEO as well as for his previous leadership of the Offshore business, which continues to lead the global market.”
Despite the current challenges, the Board of Directors “remains convinced by the long-term prospects and value creation potential of Siemens Gamesa”, added the company, which recorded a loss of over €300m in its last three months.
“With an order backlog of more than €33bn, leadership in the growing Offshore market and a strong Service business the company is well positioned for future success. The priority remains to turnaround the Onshore unit.”