Following the SolarPower Europe Board of Directors elections held on May 7, Barbara Flesche, Executive Vice President of Statkraft Europe, has been elected as the new President of the association, replacing Aristotelis Chantavas (formerly of Enel Green Power).
Commenting on the result, Walburga Hemetsberger, Executive Director of SolarPower Europe, said: “We are delighted that Barbara Flesche has been elected President of SolarPower Europe and are confident that she will continue the association’s excellent work, guiding us through the recent fossil fuel crisis and into the solar+ era. Barbara’s extensive experience as Executive Vice President of Statkraft, one of Europe’s largest renewable energy players, uniquely positions her to represent solar and storage as a mature, widespread, and critical component of the European energy system.”
"I would also like to thank Aristotelis Chantavas for his leadership as President over the past few years and Francisco Beirão as Interim President," Hemetsberger added.
President Flesche stated: “I am honored to assume the role of President of SolarPower Europe at a pivotal moment for our industry and for Europe. Solar energy and battery storage have become strategic assets for Europe’s energy security, industrial competitiveness, and climate goals. It is impressive how SolarPower Europe’s leadership has positioned the organization at the heart of the European energy debate, providing a unified voice for the sector. Through credible advocacy and broad industry alignment, the organization has increased its influence and established itself as a trusted partner in shaping Europe’s energy future. I look forward to working closely with our members, partners, and team to continue this progress.”
Two vice presidents were elected or re-elected:
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Re-elected: Alexandra Sombsthay, executive vice president of Akuo Energy.
Recently elected: Stefano Lorenzi, CEO of 3SUN.
Six members of the Board of Directors were elected or re-elected:
- Fredrik Andrén-Sandberg, Director of Regulatory Affairs for Europe and Asia-Pacific at RWE Renewables
- Julius Beutel, Vice President of Solutions Business, Weidmüller
- Jörg Ebel, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at IBC Solar
- Philipp Kunze, Vice President of Business Development and Sales for Europe at Nextpower.
- Lars Stephan, Director of Marketing, Policy and Public Affairs (EMEA), Fluence
- Carlo Zorzoli, Executive Vice President and Director for Europe and Africa at ContourGlobal
The new president and vice-president of the National Association Committee of SolarPower Europe were confirmed as members of the Board of Directors: Paolo Rocco Viscontini (Italia Solare) and Nold Jaeger (Holland Solar).
Walburga Hemetsberger commented: “Our new board members represent strong and diverse players in the solar and battery storage market, bringing a wide range of expertise to our association. Their experience will accelerate our mission to make solar and battery storage the main source of electricity in the EU by 2030.”
The Board of Directors of SolarPower Europe is composed of a total of 20 directors.