Energy services leader 3sun Group is looking to expand its European and Scandinavian wind operations with the appointment of a new Chief Development Officer.
Christian Christensen has joined the company to head up its Denmark base and takes a seat on its Group and Denmark boards.
His appointment comes weeks after the 3sun Group announced Stephen Rose as its new Chief Operating Officer from his role as Head of Wind Generation at SSE.
Mr Christensen will build the company’s business in northern Europe and Scandinavia from its bigger Esbjerg base, as well as growing a strong local workforce in the region
Mr Christensen has spent his 23-year career in the wind industry, from technician and team leader for turbine manufacturer Vestas to chief operating officer for Total Wind.
3sun CEO Graham Hacon said: “Christian’s operational experience and contacts in areas that we are strengthening our presence in is outstanding.
“It is not merely about increasing our geographical spread, but also our range of products and services.
“The combination of Christian’s experience with service providers and delivery partners and Steve Rose’s understanding of the clients’ needs, coupled with the existing infrastructure and mechanisms we have in place, will take 3sun Group where it wants to be.�
Mr Christensen said it was an “honour� to join the 3sun board and a company respected as “a trusted partner in a competitive market.�
“3sun Group is very strong in the UK and where it has worked in Europe. My ambition is to use my knowledge from years of working in mainland Europe to make 3sun Group even stronger in Denmark, Scandinavia and Europe by finding the right team, the right contracts and manufacturers, and building long-term relationships.�
The wind market was increasingly tough and constantly changing, he said.
“When we installed the first 1.6MW turbine for Vestas, we all said it could not become any bigger, now, 10 years on, there are 8 and 10 MW turbines.�
“There are many possibilities if you do it the right way. The market is growing and if a company has the right offer there will be work ahead for 20-30 years.�
“For me, it is not about being the biggest, it is about being the best. You can grow in size naturally because clients like the product you have. I would like to grow because we are a trustworthy partner and find solutions for our clients.�
Building a successful team was key, said Mr Christensen, who was with Total Wind for 13 years and has worked on most of the big offshore wind projects in Europe.
“The biggest fault in this industry is that people talk about technicians as just arms and legs. Good technicians are not just arms and legs, it is about brains.
“There must be mutual respect for different job functions. ‘Blue and white collars’ can’t do their jobs without the other and working together, which is the only way to win and be successful.�
3sun Group board member Chair of RenewableUK Julian Brown said: “Christian’s appointment is another significant one for 3sun Group as it shapes itself to be an even stronger force on the continent. It’s great to see another wind representative on the board with so many opportunities ahead.�
3sun Group appoints new Chief Development Officer
