Complete energy transition: BKW is preparing for the future*
Press release
Complete energy transition: BKW is preparing for the future*
23 August 2023
BKW is preparing for the future. The company will be changing its organisational structure effective 1 November 2023 for complete commitment to the energy future along the entire value chain – from renewable energy production, marketing and distribution to energy-efficient buildings and infrastructures. To further boost this integrated approach and take advantage of synergies between divisions, the heads of the three service divisions will be appointed to the Group Executive Board. This means that the three business areas of Energy, Grids and Services will now all be represented on the Group Executive Board in line with the three-pillar strategy. At the same time, the energy business will be bolstered with consolidation of competencies in energy trading and distribution along with new additions to the portfolio. Stefan Sewckow, an experienced expert in the international energy industry, will lead this new division. There is also a change at BKW Power Grid – Corinne Montandon, previously head of “Energy Markets & Group Services”, will now head up Grids. She replaces Roland Küpfer, who is coming to the end of a successful career and heading into well-deserved retirement.
*Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR
The BKW Group is taking another step towards a complete, sustainable energy future. The company will be changing its organisational structure effective 1 November 2023 for optimal configuration of all elements along the entire value chain – from renewable energy production, marketing and distribution to energy-efficient buildings and infrastructures. To further boost this integrated approach, the heads of the three service divisions – Antonin Guez, CEO of BKW Building Solutions, Martin Fecke, CEO of BKW Engineering and Sven Behrend, CEO of BKW Infra Services – will be appointed to the Group Executive Board. This means that all three business areas – Energy, Grids and Services – will have equal representation on the board. This new organisational structure not only facilitates more efficient use of synergies between the divisions, it also underscores BKW’s commitment to taking a leading role in shaping the energy future.
BKW appoints Stefan Sewckow to the Group Executive Board and boosts the energy business To boost the energy business, energy trading and distribution will now be consolidated under the name “Energy Markets”. This restructure will allow BKW to expand its range of tailored energy services for large-scale customers both national and international. The new unit will be headed up by Stefan Sewckow effective 1 November 2023. The 52-year-old industrial engineer brings extensive experience in the international energy industry, and since 2017 he has served as Managing Director Market of MVV Trading, part of the Mannheim-based energy company MVV Energy. Robert Itschner, CEO of BKW: “With Stefan Sewckow, BKW welcomes a seasoned expert who boasts outstanding knowledge of the European energy market. It is a big win for us that he will be contributing his expertise to BKW.”
Change of management at BKW Power Grid – Corinne Montandon to become new head The future leadership of BKW Power Grid has also been decided, with Corinne Montandon, former Head of “Energy Markets & Group Services”, taking over effective 1 November 2023. She replaces Roland Küpfer, who is entering well-earned retirement at the end of the year. This transfer secures the ideal progression for the Grid business – an area with which Corinne Montandon is well acquainted from previous roles at BKW. “I feel sure that Corinne Montandon, with her great customer focus, will continue to develop Switzerland’s largest distribution grid for the benefit of our customers and successfully master the challenges that arise from the energy transition,” says Robert Itschner, CEO of BKW. He also offered warm thanks to Roland Küpfer for his dedicated service over the last six years: “He implemented important grid projects, advanced digitalisation and prepared the grid for future requirements. We would like to thank Roland Küpfer for his tireless commitment to a safe, reliable electricity grid and wish him all the best for the future.”
Boost for the integrated business model and contribution to the energy transition The BKW Board of Directors is also convinced that this new organisational structure will boost the BKW strategy. “Shaping the energy future along the entire value chain – that’s our goal. This new line-up represents a concerted advancement of BKW’s three-pillar strategy with Energy, Grid and Services. It puts BKW in a unique position on the market, strongly situated and ready to make this goal reality,” says Roger Baillod, Chairman of the BKW Board of Directors.
