OX2, a prominent player in the renewable energy sector, has appointed Matthias Taft as its new chief executive officer, marking a significant shift in the company’s leadership. Taft, who previously served as the group chief executive of BayWa r.e. for the past 12 years, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He succeeds Paul Stormoen, who will transition to a board member position, ensuring continuity during this leadership change.
Taft’s appointment is a strategic move that underscores OX2’s commitment to expanding its global footprint and diversifying its portfolio. “It is both a great honour and a privilege to be appointed CEO of OX2,” Taft said. “Having worked across the renewable energy sector for many years, I’ve seen first-hand the power of purpose-driven leadership. Joining OX2 feels like a natural step in a journey that’s always been about making a real impact. With my experience and expertise in the industry, I will do my utmost to support the company as we strive to become one of the most reputable global developers, with an outstanding and high-performing IPP portfolio.”
Stormoen, who has been at the helm since 2011, has overseen OX2’s transformation from a small Swedish developer of onshore wind farms to an international independent power producer (IPP) active in various technologies. His decision to step down from the CEO role and assume a board member position is a testament to his commitment to the company’s long-term success. “I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all colleagues at OX2 for giving me the opportunity and trust to lead during such formative years for the company and industry,” Stormoen said. “Together we have accomplished more than most, and we have built a very strong foundation for OX2 to continue to grow and prosper by staying true to our purpose. I also want to congratulate Matthias and welcome him to OX2.”
Xabier Etxeberria, chairman of the board of directors, expressed enthusiasm about Taft’s appointment. “I am very happy to welcome Matthias Taft in his new role. He has more than 20 years of experience from the renewable energy industry and will bring a strong vision, leadership and a deep understanding of the customers. I also want to extend a sincere thank you to Paul Stormoen for the impressive journey of developing OX2 into a leading renewables company.”
This leadership transition comes at a critical time for the renewable energy sector, which is grappling with challenges such as policy uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and the need for rapid scaling to meet global climate goals. Taft’s extensive experience in the industry and his proven track record at BayWa r.e. position him well to navigate these complexities and drive OX2’s growth.
The appointment of Taft as CEO and Stormoen’s transition to a board member role signal a new chapter for OX2. This change in leadership could accelerate the company’s expansion into new markets and technologies, potentially influencing the broader renewable energy landscape. As the sector continues to evolve, OX2’s strategic moves will be closely watched by industry stakeholders, who are eager to see how this leadership transition will shape the company’s future trajectory.