GE Renewable Energy has announced the appointment of Jan Kjaersgaard as the new CEO of its Offshore Wind business.

Jan Kjaersgaard will succeed John Lavelle who is retiring after a 40-year career and plans to stay on board to assist with a transition over the next several months.

Kjaersgaard joins GE from FLSmidth, where he was most recently President of the cement business, including full EPC turnkey plants, products business and aftermarket services. He previously served as VP Global Sales of Siemens’ onshore and offshore businesses before becoming CEO of Siemens Wind Power Americas and later on CEO for Siemens Wind Power EMEA.

Jérôme Pécresse, President and CEO of GE Renewable Energy, said: “I am very pleased to welcome Jan to our Leadership team to lead our growing Offshore wind business. Offshore wind is poised to grow dramatically in the coming years, and Jan is ideally suited to take GE’s Offshore Wind business to the next level during that global growth curve. I also want to deeply thank John for the critical role he played in positioning our offshore wind business for success as well as his many contributions to GE during his distinguished career. John has been a great partner and mentor to me, and so many of us at GE.

Commenting on his appointment, Kjaersgaard said: “I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead GE’s offshore wind business at this pivotal moment for the industry. GE is extremely well positioned to help our customers deliver on the enormous promise of offshore wind with the most powerful turbine in operation, the partnership it has already built with world-class customers, and its talented and dedicated offshore wind team.” – TradeArabia News Service