Ocean Sun expands its leadership team to boost product development and operations

Norway-based floating solar company Ocean Sun has unveiled the addition of two new C-level executives to its leadership team. 

David Mikal Knutsen has been appointed Chief Product Officer (CPO). With over ten years of experience in the maritime industry, he co-founded ECOnnect Energy AS and served as its CTO, playing a key role in developing the first floating LNG transfer system, said Ocean Sun. Knutsen holds a Master’s degree in Marine Technology from NTNU.

Carl Petter Lehne is the new Chief Operating Officer (COO). He previously led the Industry and Infrastructure Group at Metier and has experience in managing infrastructure projects, including roles at Multiconsult, said Ocean Sun. Lehne holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Marine Technology and Geotechnical Engineering from DTU.

“David’s and Carl Petter’s expertise will be game-changing as we drive Ocean Sun’s growth and innovation forward. Their combined skills will significantly enhance our capabilities in both product development and operational execution,” said Kristian Tørvold, Ocean Sun’s CEO.

Before Carl Petter Lehne, Ivar Blekastad served as company COO. He took on the role in October 2002, following the departure of Nenad Keseric, who left the company at the end of September that year.

In February 2022, Roar Jakobsen was appointed as interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO), until Karl Lawenius returned from paternity leave.

In terms of the recent news coming from Ocean Sun, the company signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with India’s largest hydropower company, NHPC, to explore primary areas of partnership concerning Ocean Sun’s floating solar energy technology, which utilizes photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on hydro-elastic membranes at suitable locations identified by NHPC.