New President and Eight Board Members Elected

Photo (top L-R): Nold Jaeger (Holland Solar), Paolo Rocco Viscontini (Italia Solare), Julius Beutel (Weidmüller), Philipp Kunze (Nextpower), Carlo Zorzoli (ContourGlobal), Lars Stephan (Fluence), Jörg Ebel (IBC Solar), Stefano Lorenzi (3SUN), Barbara Flesche (Statkraft), Alexandra Sombsthay (Akuo), Fredrik Andrén-Sandberg (RWE Renewables).

Following the Board elections of SolarPower Europe on 7 May, Barbara Flesche, Executive Vice President of Statkraft Europe, has been elected as the new President of the association, replacing the outgoing Aristotelis Chantavas (former Enel Green Power).

Commenting on the outcome, Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO 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 excellent work of the association, leading us through the latest fossil fuel crisis and into the solar+ era. Barbara’s vast experience as EVP for Statkraft, one of the largest European players in renewables, makes her uniquely positioned to represent solar and storage as a mature, mainstream and major component of Europe's energy system.”

“I would also like to thank Aristotelis Chantavas for his leadership as President over the last years and Francisco Beirão as Interim President,” added Hemetsberger.

President Flesche said: “I am honoured to take on the role of President of SolarPower Europe at a decisive moment for our sector and for Europe. Solar power and battery storage have become strategic assets for Europe’s energy security, industrial competitiveness, and climate objectives. It is impressive how the leadership of SolarPower Europe has succeeded in positioning the organisation at the centre of the European energy debate, providing one united voice for the sector. Through credible advocacy and broad industry alignment, the organisation 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:

Re-elected: Alexandra Sombsthay, Executive Vice-President, Akuo 

Newly elected: Stefano Lorenzi, CEO, 3SUN

Six Board Directors were elected or re-elected:
 

• Fredrik Andrén-Sandberg, Head of Regulatory Affairs Europe & APAC, RWE Renewables
• Julius Beutel, Vice President Solutions Business, Weidmüller
• Jörg Ebel, Vice-President Corporate Affairs, IBC Solar
• Philipp Kunze, VP Business Development and Sales Europe, Nextpower
• Lars Stephan, Director Marketing, Policy & Public Affairs (EMEA), Fluence
• Carlo Zorzoli, EVP Head of Europe and Africa, ContourGlobal
   

The new Chair and Vice-Chair of SolarPower Europe’s National Association Committee were confirmed as Board Directors: Paolo Rocco Viscontini (Italia Solare) and Nold Jaeger (Holland Solar).
 

Walburga Hemetsberger commented: “Our new board members represent strong and diverse solar and battery storage market players, bringing a wide range of competencies to our association. Their expertise will accelerate our mission for solar and battery storage to become the #1 electricity source in the EU by 2030.”
 

The SolarPower Europe Board is composed of a total of 20 Directors.