Christian Kjaer , 36, was appointed by the EWEA Board following the departure of Corin Millais earlier this February for the Climate Institute in Australia. Kjaer was previously EWEA Policy Director and had already worked on a range of policy issues for the association during a 2002 secondment. An economist, Kjaer joined EWEA full-time in 2003, after four years in the Danish Wind Industry Association. Before that he worked as a journalist for a newspaper in Copenhagen.

In order to support Christian Kjaer in his new role, Bruce Douglas, currently Marketing and Events Director at EWEA, will take the position of Chief Operation Officer at the association. Bruce has over 10 years experience in the renewable energy sector and has been with EWEA for five years.

"EWEA is embarking on a new chapter. Christian’s knowledge of the industry, his political expertise and his experience with the association ensure a smooth continuation of EWEA’s operations", said EWEA President Arthouros Zervos. "Bruce’s international experience, strategic business acumen and organisational ability will help lead EWEA to the next stage of its development".

"There has never been a greater need for technologies that can deliver fast solutions to the looming energy crisis while addressing the devastating effects of climate change. Europe is world leader in wind energy. I can’t imagine a more exciting task than leading the European Wind Energy Association at such a crucial time in the history of energy. It contains both challenges and vast opportunities", said Christian Kjaer.

"Having experienced the rapid growth of both EWEA and the wider wind industry over the past 5 years and seen wind energy take a position in the mainstream electricity sector, I am now ready to take on this new challenge. The move away from marketing and events offers me the exciting opportunity of ensuring the focused and efficient operation of the whole organisation. I look forward to working with Arthouros and Christian in taking EWEA to the next level in terms of professionalism, strengthening contacts with industry figures and key external stakeholders and delivering the agreed political strategy" said Bruce Douglas.