New EWEA chairman elected
Published: 06 October, 2014
The European Wind Energy Association has elected Dr Markus Tacke, chief executive officer of Siemens Wind Power, as its new chairman.
Tacke was elected by EWEA's Board of Directors, which is comprised of corporate members, national associations and other organisations.
Tacke commented on his appointment: "This is an exciting moment in time for the wind industry and I am looking forward to the task ahead. One of the first major challenges will be securing an ambitious 30% renewables target in the 2030 climate and energy framework to be agreed by heads of state and government. This will give the wind energy industry a springboard for the post-2020 environment."
Tacke took the helm at Siemens Wind Power, a division that specialises in turbine manufacturing, on 1 August, 2013.
Since joining Siemens in 1998, he has also served as CEO of the Industrial Power Business Unit at the Energy Sector's Oil and Gas Division from October 2009. Prior to this, he was responsible for Siemens' work in industrial steam turbines.
EWEA chief executive officer Thomas Becker said: "We are delighted to welcome Markus Tacke as our new chairman. We look forward to working with such an experienced individual at a pivotal juncture for the wind energy industry in Europe."
Tacke will succeed current EWEA President Dr Andrew Garrad, who has served in the post in 2013 and 2014.
Garrad said: "Presiding over EWEA has been a richly rewarding experience and we have transformed the Association since I took office over a year and half ago. That EWEA is held in such high esteem throughout Brussels circles and across Europe, is testament to the strength and fortitude of the organisation and our industry."
He added: "I look forward to following EWEA's progress closely as the wind energy industry continues to make great and unprecedented strides in Europe."
