Today, global partner on sustainable energy solutions, Vestas, announced the appointment of Javier Rodriguez Diez as new Chief Sales Officer. Indeed, Javier currently serves as President of Vestas Mediterranean, and his position will be influential on July 1. Moreover, he’ll replace Juan Araluce after almost ten years as Vestas’ Chief Sales Officer.
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Juan Araluce y Martinez de Azagra decided to leave Vestas by the end of June 2021 to continue his career outside Denmark. Accordingly, Vestas is looking to strengthening its commercial setup and operating model to improve customer focus and intimacy.
Specifically, this includes creating a new region within the company, Vestas Latin America, per 1 January 2022. Also, the company aims to simplify reporting setup. In fact, this change entails that all Regional Presidents will immediately be reporting directly to Vestas’ Group President; and Chief Executive Officer, Henrik Andersen.
Reception in Vestas
“The wind industry would not have grown at the speed it has in the last decade without Juan Araluce’s tremendous contribution; particularly, to making wind projects more profitable,” said Andersen.
Indeed, Juan’s work “has been key to making Vestas a global leader in sustainable energy solutions,” continued Andersen. Thus, “replacing (him) is tough and big shoes to fill; but we are excited that we have such a strong internal replacement in Javier Rodriguez Diez; who, in fact, has the track record, experience, and business acumen to lead towards our vision.”
Worth noting, Juan Araluce spent almost 15 years at Vestas and played a crucial part in recreating customers’ trust in the company during its turnaround in 2012 – 2014. Since then, he has lead Vestas’ sales and construction business. As a result, he grew order intake from 7.4 GW in 2011 to 17.2 GW in 2020; and deliveries from 5.2 GW to 17.2 GW during the same period.
The appointment of Javier Rodriguez Diez will entrust him with commercial and sales responsibility across onshore and offshore wind globally. Besides, he will need to relocate to Copenhagen, Denmark, with immediate effect.
Words from the outcoming CSO
In this regard, Juan Araluce y Martinez de Azagra commented; “Vestas has been on a tremendous journey since I joined the company. Therefore, I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved together in the last ten years. Moreover, the outlook for Vestas and renewables is tremendous, and that makes it very hard to leave.”
However, “with the integration of offshore, our strengthened commercial setup, and an internal successor in Javier Rodriguez Diez,” continued Juan. With him, “I have worked closely for the last 15 years. Also, I am excited that we found another strong internal candidate in Jose Luis Jimeno to replace Javier as President of Vestas Mediterranean.
Moreover, “I’m truly proud we have found a proven American renewables executive as Laura Beane to become head of Vestas North America” concluded the outgoing Chief Sales Officer.
Words from the incoming CSO
Finally, incoming Chief Sales Officer Javier Rodriguez Diez said; “Having started as Sales Director in Vestas 20 years ago, I am incredibly proud to be offered the opportunity to take over from an industry leader such as Juan Araluce.”
Moreover, “we are in a race to reach net-zero by 2050, and with wind energy an integral part of achieving this goal, I’m really excited to join the Executive Management Team. Also, to work closely with our Regional Presidents and the rest of the team to accelerate the deployment of renewables together with our customers.
In that regard, “I’m happy to welcome Laura Beane, who we already know well from her executive roles within key customers to Vestas,” continued Javier. As well, “I’m delighted that our succession planning ensures that Jose Luis Jimeno will succeed me as President of the company’s Mediterranean area. Also, that Eduardo Ricotta Torres Costa will become President of Vestas Latin America.”
