Dr Klaus Rave was unanimously elected new GWEC Chairman at yesterday's Board meeting in Dallas for a two year term. Dr Rave follows Arthouros Zervos, who had been Chairman since the association was established in 2006.

Dr Rave is one of the leading wind power experts in Europe. As Managing Director of the Investitionsbank Schleswig-Holstein, he has been involved in financing wind power projects since 1991, and he has been a strong supporter of wind energy since its early days. He also served as President of the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) from 1999 to 2002, and is currently EWEA's Vice President.

"Klaus has been a valued ally and friend to me for many years, and I could not wish for a more suitable successor to lead GWEC at a time in which the sector is facing numerous challenges," said Prof. Arthouros Zervos, the outgoing GWEC Chairman. "I wish him all the best in this important role."

"I am excited to take on this responsible position and to lead GWEC's valuable work in promoting wind energy globally," said Dr Rave. "I thank the Board for their trust and support, and look forward to working with these leading wind power professionals to firmly establish wind power as a major energy source in countries around the world."

The Board expressed its gratitude for Prof. Zervos' tireless and dedicated work for the global wind industry as GWEC Chairman, and wishes him the best of success in his new position as CEO of the Public Power Corporation of Greece. Prof Zervos will continue as a member of the GWEC Board of Directors.

The GWEC Board also elected a new Executive Committee to support the work of the Chairman and the GWEC staff. The ExCo members are Denise Bode (American Wind Energy Association), Carlos Gasco (Iberdrola Renewables), DV Giri (Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers' Association), Henning Kruse (Siemens

Tags: Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC)