Swiss energy company Axpo has named Klaus Heckenberger as the new head of its wind division and CEO of its subsidiary Volkswind, succeeding Katja Stommel, who will step down from the role on 1 November.
Stommel, who co-founded Volkswind in 1993, has led the company since its inception and played a key role in building it into a European wind energy developer. She will hand over responsibilities to Heckenberger following a short transition period. Axpo acquired Volkswind in 2015.
“With Katja’s departure, we are saying goodbye to an entrepreneur who has shaped the success story of wind energy within Axpo over the past ten years. We thank her sincerely for her contribution,” said Andy Heinz, deputy chief executive at Axpo.
Heckenberger joins from Eurowind Energy, where he served as managing director. He brings over 15 years of experience in the renewable energy sector, having previously held senior roles at Energiequelle and UKA Nord. He studied electrical engineering at Karlsruhe and completed further studies in wind energy and hydrogen technologies at the University of Oldenburg.
“With Klaus Heckenberger, we are gaining an experienced leader with great passion for wind energy, who will continue to develop this important business area with determination,” Heinz added.
Following her departure, Stommel will focus on her family office’s interests in agriculture and forestry, according to Axpo.
