GE Renewable Energy names new offshore wind CEO

GE Renewable Energy has named Jan Kjaersgaard as its new offshore wind CEO.

He will replace John Lavelle, who is retiring after a 40-year career.

Lavelle aims to stay on board to assist with the transition over the next few months.

Kjaersgaard joins GE from FLSmidth, where he was president of the company’s cement business, in charge of EPC (engineering, procurement and construction), turnkey plants, products and aftermarket services.

He has previously served as CEO of foundation specialist Bladt Industries, vice president of global sales of Siemens’ onshore and offshore wind businesses before becoming CEO of Siemens Wind Power Americas and CEO of Siemens Wind Power EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa).

Prior to his time with Siemens, he led Bonus Energy’s commercial team and was involved in some of the first utility-scale offshore wind projects in European waters before the company was acquired by Siemens in 2004.

Lavelle has led GE Renewable Energy’s offshore wind unit since November 2016, and had previously led other GE divisions, including digital energy and gasification.

During his time as CEO, the company installed the first offshore wind farm in the US, developed the Haliade-X – the industry’s first 12MW-plus turbine – and expanded the business’ global footprint to Europe, China and Japan,

More to follow.