Four leadership changes to watch in Europe's energy sector

A series of leadership changes across utilities, grid operators and energy technology companies is reshaping the executive leadership connected to Europe’s evolving energy system.

Over recent weeks, several companies have either installed new chief executives or begun formal succession processes as leadership teams prepare for the next phase of investment, digitalisation and infrastructure development required for the energy transition.

Founder returns to lead Kaluza

UK-based energy technology platform Kaluza announced that founder Stephen Fitzpatrick has taken on the role of chief executive officer.

Fitzpatrick succeeds Melissa Gander, who spent sixteen years in multiple leadership roles at Kaluza and its parent company OVO Energy before serving as CEO for the past two years.

During Gander’s tenure as chief executive, Kaluza expanded from a single-customer subsidiary into an independent platform serving four major clients across eight markets. Among its customers are energy companies including AGL and ENGIE. Over the same period the company tripled its contracted recurring revenue.

Fitzpatrick’s return comes at what he describes as a pivotal moment for software development as AI tools reshape how technology companies design and deploy products.

“AI is reshaping how every industry operates, but software is changing faster than anywhere else,” Fitzpatrick said in a statement.

“The gap between teams that embrace these tools and those that don't is opening up right now, and it will be very difficult to close later.”

Kaluza develops enterprise software used at the centre of energy networks. Fitzpatrick said companies operating mission-critical platforms for the power system should be among those adopting the new generation of AI-enabled engineering tools.

According to the company, his priorities as CEO will focus on delivery execution, embedding AI capability across Kaluza’s engineering teams and simplifying operations to increase development speed.

TenneT launches CEO succession process

Transmission system operator TenneT has begun the recruitment and selection process for a new chief executive officer.

The move comes as the second term of current CEO Manon van Beek will conclude on 31 August 2026.

The supervisory board said it had started the process early to ensure continuity during what it described as a crucial phase of the energy transition.

According to the company, the recruitment and selection process will be conducted in a timely, transparent and careful manner. The supervisory board said this approach is important given the scale of TenneT’s societal role and the strategic phase the organisation is currently in.

By launching the succession process well ahead of the end of van Beek’s term, the company aims to provide a smooth transition to the next leadership team.

Said van Beek: “The energy transition is what drives me: contributing to a reliable, affordable and future-proof energy system is more than a role for me.

“I will continue to dedicate myself fully to delivering on our strategic objectives and advancing the energy transition in the Netherlands, Germany and the rest of Europe in this decisive phase and take responsibility for a solid and well-prepared handover to my successor.”

Topsoe installs new chief executive earlier than planned

Danish energy technology company Topsoe has confirmed that Elena Scaltritti has taken on the role of President and Chief Executive Officer.

The appointment follows the decision of former CEO Roeland Baan to step down earlier than initially planned, after leading the company for six years.

Topsoe had previously announced that Baan would leave the position on 31 May 2026, with Scaltritti due to assume the role from 1 June. Following the company’s 2025 annual results and the progress of the leadership transition, Baan proposed stepping down earlier, with the board accepting his request.

As a result, Scaltritti assumed the role on 5 March 2026.

Baan said the alignment between the board, owners and senior management on the company’s strategic direction made it possible to accelerate the transition.

Said Scaltritti: “Roeland has brought a bold vision and a relentless drive for fast execution to Topsoe. 

“These past months, since Roeland decided to step down, we’ve seen everyone rally around a shared goal of making the transition smooth. I’m highly appreciative of Roeland’s efforts and our collaboration in this process.”

Topsoe offers solutions for transforming renewable resources into fuels and chemicals, and provide technologies needed to produce low-carbon and conventional fuels and chemicals as well as ensuring clean air.

Acwa appoints new chief executive

Saudi Arabia-based global energy and water infrastructure developer Acwa has named Dr. Samir J. Serhan as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 March 2026.

Serhan previously served as President for Saudi Arabia and the Middle East at the company. Prior to joining Acwa he was Chief Operating Officer at US-based Air Products.

In that role he had global responsibility for operational business and project execution with profit and loss accountability across the Americas, Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and India. He also led functions including technology, global engineering, manufacturing and equipment.

Earlier in his career, Serhan served as president of the hydrogen business at Praxair and spent fourteen years at Linde Group in leadership positions in the US and Germany, culminating in his role as Managing Director of Linde Engineering.

Serhan succeeds Marco Arcelli, who has served as chief executive since March 2023. Arcelli will remain as an adviser to the chairman of the board of directors to ensure a smooth transition.

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The leadership change was described by the company as part of a planned and structured succession process overseen by its board nomination and remuneration committee.

Acwa operates in renewable energy, water desalination and green hydrogen.

The company has significant operations and deals in Europe, including an MoU signed in February with German counterparts on a green ammonia corridor, as well as a partnership announced in July 2025 to create a green hydrogen and renewable energy export value chain between Saudi Arabia and Europe. The multi-party MoU was signed with Edison S.p.A. (Italy), TotalEnergies Renewables SAS (France), Zhero Europe B.V. (Italy), and EnBW (Germany).

Said Serhan: “I’m honoured to lead Acwa at a pivotal moment as the company accelerates profitable global growth in renewable energy, water desalination, and green hydrogen solutions — including advancing green hydrogen to decarbonize heavy industries — to deliver scalable, sustainable impact worldwide.”