Vestas has announced that Anders Runevad is stepping down as president and CEO on Aug. 1.
Runevad, who has served in the position since 2013, will be replaced by Henrik Andersen, who is currently CEO of coatings supplier Hempel A/S and a member of Vestas’ board of directors.
According to the company, the appointment follows Vestas’ long-term succession planning, which will see Runevad staying involved until mid-2020 as an advisor to Vestas. During the same period, Runevad will also remain chairman of MHI Vestas Offshore Wind.
Andersen, a member of Vestas’ board since 2013, also has extensive experience in management roles in global companies over the last 20 years, says Vestas.
“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Anders for his tremendous contribution to Vestas since 2013,” comments Bert Nordberg, Vestas’ chairman of the board. “Under his strong strategic and operational leadership, Vestas successfully went through a turn-around, became the global leader in wind energy and started the journey towards becoming the global leader in sustainable energy solutions. As a result, Vestas has a strong foundation to execute on short-term priorities, invest in the future and continue to help preserve our planet for future generations.”
On the appointment of Andersen, Nordberg says, “I’m proud and delighted that we have been able to attract and convince Henrik Andersen to succeed Anders Runevad, as it will ensure continuation in the short term and build momentum for our long-term vision. Henrik has a proven track record of building and transforming global businesses, which will be a huge asset as Vestas goes from the leader in wind energy to the leader in sustainable energy.”
Runevad, commenting on his decision to leave Vestas, says, “After completing the turn-around, implementing our profitable growth strategy and bringing wind energy on par with fossil fuel, Vestas and the industry have entered a new phase, and I believe this is the right time for me to step down. Today, we are the global leader in wind and have started our journey to become the global leader in sustainable energy, and I’m pleased to hand over a company in great shape that will also benefit from the perspective of a new leader. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the dedicated employees I’ve worked with over the last six years, and I look forward to supporting Henrik and Bert as an advisor.”
“I’m truly excited by the opportunity to join Vestas and continue the company’s journey to become the global leader in sustainable energy solutions,” says Andersen. “I’ve been part of Vestas for the last six years and will be working closely with Anders and the rest of the management team to ensure a smooth transition so we execute successfully in 2019, prepare for the future and drive the energy transition forward.”
