People | People on the move IWP&DC reports on recent appointments in the industry
AFRY appoints Linda Pålsson as new president and CEO
AFRY’s Board of Directors has appointed Linda Pålsson as the company’s new President and CEO. Pålsson assumes the role immediately, succeeding Jonas Gustavsson, who is departing after eight years in the position. The recruitment process for a new CEO began
on September 9, 2024, according to the company. “I’m pleased that Linda Pålsson today has
accepted the role as AFRY’s new President and CEO,” said Tom Erixon, Chairman of the Board. “Under Jonas Gustavsson’s leadership, AFRY has shown strong growth and reached annual net sales of SEK 27 billion. I would like to thank Jonas for his eight years at AFRY and for great collaboration. Under Linda’s leadership, the company will continue to develop its global leading position in the green transition with increased focus on profitability. Linda has a comprehensive understanding of the complexity of the green transition and experience of leading large complex projects with the customer in focus.” “AFRY is a fantastic company, and I look
forward with great anticipation to leading AFRY in this next phase,” said Pålsson. “With its unique position, AFRY is well equipped to meet our clients’ needs for large-scale projects that help accelerate the transition to a more sustainable society. We will continue to work on strengthening our project deliveries to our clients and have a strong focus on structural profitability improvements. I’m grateful for the trust and look forward to taking the next step on the journey together with the whole team at AFRY.” Pålsson brings extensive leadership experience
to the role, both within and outside AFRY. Most recently, she served as Executive Vice President and Head of the Energy Division. Her previous positions at AFRY include Vice President Hydro Global & Energy Nordics, Business Area Manager Energy Projects, and Market Area Manager Transmission & Distribution. Outside AFRY, she has held roles such as CEO of Triventus Windpower AB and Regional Manager at Infratek. Born in 1974, Pålsson holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Kleinschmidt Associates names Tim Oakes as CEO
Kleinschmidt Associates, a consulting firm specializing in hydropower and environmental solutions, has named Tim Oakes as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Oakes, who has been with the company since 1996, brings 35 years of experience in the hydropower industry. He has held leadership roles in regulatory, environmental, and business management, and most recently served as the Power & Energy Business Sector Leader, overseeing business development and client services across North America. “Tim’s exceptional experience in the
hydropower industry, coupled with his strong leadership skills and dedication to fostering Kleinschmidt’s employee-focused culture, stood out among an impressive field of candidates,” said Alison Jakupca, Chair of the Board of Directors. “We are confident that under his leadership, Kleinschmidt will continue to thrive and solidify its position as a leader in the hydropower industry.” Oakes has also served on the National
Hydropower Association Board of Directors and contributed to industry committees, underscoring his commitment to advancing hydropower. “I am honoured to lead a company with such
talented people and a strong almost 60-year legacy of providing expertise and practical solutions for hydroelectric power projects and environmental resource protection,” said Oakes. “We have an amazing team of experts in multiple disciplines throughout North America working on technically challenging and important projects that truly make a difference in the world.”
New EVP of Renewable Energy at Norconsult
Norconsult has appointed Håkon Bergsodden as the new Executive Vice President for the Renewable Energy business area. Currently, Bergsodden serves as the Director
of Hydropower and Power Transmission at Norconsult and will now join the executive management team. He has previously held other important roles within the company, including Head of Power Plant Construction and Small Hydropower. He will take up the EVP role on 1 February 2025. “I am pleased that Bergsodden has accepted
the role of Executive Vice President. Renewable energy is one of our most important market areas, where we expect further growth in the coming years. With Bergsodden’s experience and expertise, I am confident that we are well- equipped to take further steps in the renewable sector,” said Egil Hogna, CEO of Norconsult. Bergsodden will succeed Sten-Ole Nilsen, who will continue at Norconsult in the capacity of Project Director.
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“I look forward to being part of the executive management team at Norconsult and contributing to the further development of the business area and the group’s commitment to renewable energy. Norconsult is a leading player in this market area today, and I am excited to further strengthen this position together with the skilled professionals in renewable energy,” commented Bergsodden.
BHA’s Kate Gilmartin appointed to Great British Energy start-up board
Great British Energy has appointed five non- executive directors to its start-up board, marking a significant step in the government’s efforts to make the UK a clean energy superpower. Among the appointees is Kate Gilmartin, CEO of the British Hydropower Association, who brings extensive expertise in renewable energy and low-carbon project development. Gilmartin also holds roles as a founding member and director of Community Energy England, a board member for Rossendale Val-ley Energy, and a member of Greater Man-chester Community Renewables. The new board will help shape the publicly owned energy company’s strategy and over-see investments in clean energy projects across the UK. Backed by £8.3 billion in government funding, Great British Energy aims to drive energy independence, lower bills, and create skilled jobs, with its headquarters based in Aberdeen. Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband emphasised the importance of the appointments: “We’ve appointed a highly skilled start-up board to help Great British Energy hit the ground running in its mission to scale up clean, homegrown power.” Juergen Maier CBE, Chair of Great British
Energy, echoed the sentiment: “This is an important milestone for Great British Energy, as we bring together an expert board to rapidly scale up the company and deliver a UK-wide clean energy revolution.” The other appointees joining Gilmartin on the board are Frances O’Grady, Frank Mitch-ell, Dr Nina Skorupska CBE FEI, and Valerie Todd CBE. They bring a diverse range of experience, including leadership in trade unions, energy networks, and renewable energy organisations. Great British Energy’s creation aligns with the government’s Plan for Change, which aims to achieve clean power by 2030. The company will work to accelerate investment in renewable technologies, support UK sup-ply chains, and ensure affordability for consumers.
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