GWEC Names New CEO

The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) has appointed Ben Backwell as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Backwell has succeeded Steve Sawyer, who joined GWEC as the first Secretary General in 2007 and will continue working with the council as its Senior Policy Advisor.

The new CEO previously worked at FTI Consulting as the Managing Director in the Clean Energy Practice, where he had advised renewable energy companies on strategy, financial and corporate communications and government affairs, GWEC said.

Backwell has also taken part in the work of a number of industry initiatives and organizations, including the board of GWEC.

“The wind industry has seen phenomenal growth over the last 10 years, and is well placed to cement its position as one of the world’s leading energy sources, providing clean, cost-effective power for the digital age,” said Backwell.

“However, the wind sector will need to negotiate a series of market, regulatory, political and technological challenges over the coming period. Within this context, GWEC will need to play a central role in helping the sector and the organisation’s members to achieve their objectives. During the period of Steve’s tenure, global wind installations grew from 74GW to 539GW. I want to work with Steve and GWEC’s members to ensure that the next decade sees even greater growth.”