Ørsted group EVP and CEO Americas leaves company for GE Vernova

In a statement, Mr Hardy said, “GE Vernova is an iconic US company and its wind business is a global technology leader. Wind energy is an important part of the current and future energy system.

“After I left the US Navy in 1998, I worked for GE for more than 10 years, and later I worked in the US and abroad for two other wind turbine OEMs for 10 more years combined. 

“I am excited to put my past and recent experience to work to help Scott Strazik and Vic Abate continue to progress this important part of the GE Vernova portfolio. 

“In my new role, I also very much look forward to building relationships with the many important global wind customers and to helping them progress their projects and achieve their business goals. I am particularly excited to work together with a new team as we collectively lead the electrification and decarbonisation of the world.”

While working for Ørsted, Mr Hardy had senior roles in the US offshore business and led the company’s US business for two years, including offshore and onshore wind, solar, battery storage and green fuels projects.

During this time, the company completed America’s first commercial-scale offshore windfarm, South Fork Wind, and began construction of two more offshore projects, Revolution Wind and Sunrise Wind. The three projects will have a combined capacity of 1.8 GW.

Mr Hardy said the company had prioritised local communities in this period and built supply chains from New York and New England to Texas and Louisiana, creating thousands of jobs. He noted the company had also invested in infrastructure, including ports and vessels, and partnered with labour to build training programmes and employ union workers.

Mr Hardy said he will formally leave his role at Ørsted on 30 November 2024.