Skyborn Renewables restructures management following resignation

The two roles will now be split. Willem Mentz, a chartered accountant, will become Skyborn’s chief financial officer, while Bill Gutterman has been appointed chief investment officer. 

Career paths

Mentz has 20 years’ experience in the Suez Group, where he held various senior finance roles in the UK, Benelux, Germany, and France. 

Gutterman was previously with Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), most recently as principal on its investment team, with a focus on electricity sector investments.  

GIP launched developer Skyborn Renewables in September last year, after acquiring German developer Wpd’s offshore wind unit. 

Thomas Karst, chief executive of Skyborn, said: “We thank João for his valuable contribution to building Skyborn and wish him continued success in his future endeavours. His dedication and hard work have been instrumental to our success.”

Karst became chief executive in March and previously shared the job of chief operating officer with Morten Melin, who continues in that role. 

The pair have worked in senior positions at Northland Power, Ørsted, A2Sea, Siemens Gamesa, Vestas and Nordex. 

Post-acquisition hires

Following the acquisition, Lars Muck joined Skyborn as chief technology officer from Seaway Offshore Cables, while Cathrin Browne – formerly lead legal counsel at Ørsted – became general counsel. 

Achim Berge Olsen, former managing director of Wpd and chief executive at Skyborn’s launch, is now a member of Skyborn’s strategic advisory board.