Leif Andersen, an industry leader in wind turbine sales who served for 10 years on the American Wind Energy Association's (AWEA) board of directors, passed away after the recent diagnosis of a brain tumor.
Andersen was responsible for over 3,500 MW of wind capacity installed in the U.S. and Canada, with a value of approximately $3.5 billion. He was also involved in identifying and starting up new markets all over the world, making him well connected to major stakeholders in the industry worldwide.
He began his career in 1984 as sales manager with Vestas and came to the U.S. 10 years later as president and CEO of Micon Wind Turbines US. He spent many years with Suzlon and most recently was director of sales for ACCIONA Windpower.
‘In his decade-long service on the AWEA board of directors, Leif distinguished himself with a consistently positive attitude and winning sense of humor,’ says Randall Swisher, former CEO of AWEA. "As someone who had served the wind industry since 1984, Leif's knowledge of and commitment to the wind industry was unparalleled.’
‘Leif was one of the first members I met when I joined AWEA, and I always looked forward to seeing him at our events,’ says Stefanie Brown, AWEA's vice president of education and membership experience. ‘He possessed extensive wind energy industry knowledge and always made time to talk with staff, regardless of their role or title. I will fondly remember his friendly smile, humor, and generosity of spirit.’
Colleagues at ACCIONA said his ‘global experience and positive attitude, combined with the pioneering spirit that he had in abundance, enabled him to be successful with the companies that he worked for. Leif's passion for wind, his high energy level, his patience and pleasant mannerism, will be missed by all those who knew him.’
Leif is survived by his wife, Annette, and children, Julie and Nicolai. Our heartfelt condolences go to them, his colleagues and his many friends.
A commemoration of his life has been planned for Sunday, Sept. 27 in Palm Desert, Calif. Well-wishers are planning to set up a fund in his memory to which individuals can contribute. Those interested can obtain details from local friends and family or from ACCIONA Windpower in West Branch, Iowa.
