UK: Gridworks Appoints Erik Knive As Its New CEO

Gridworks, the UK government-backed investor in Africa’s electricity networks, has
announced the appointment of Erik Knive as its new Chief Executive Officer.

A statement issued by the company said Erik will take up his new role in January 2025.

Erik Knive brings extensive experience from his most recent role at Aker Horizons, a listed Norwegian multinational, where he led investments in green industries, including renewable power production, carbon capture technology, and the global development of hydrogen and its derivatives.

Previously, Erik served as Group CEO of SN Power, a global renewable energy company focused on middle-income and developing markets. He also held the position of Group CEO at Green Resources, an Africa-focused forestry and forestry products company.

Additionally, Erik has held senior management roles in various telecommunications
companies worldwide. Throughout his 30-year career, Erik has lived in 12 countries and
served on over 30 boards.

A Norwegian national, Erik was educated at Harvard Business School and the University of New Orleans. He is also a certified pilot.

Welcoming the appointment, Gridworks’ Acting Chair, Dr Snowy Khoza said: “The Board is delighted to welcome Erik as our new CEO. Erik has extensive experience in leading complex organisations, particularly in the power development and investment sector. His proven track record of driving growth and innovation, coupled with his international perspective and leadership acumen, will be invaluable as we maintain our strategy and mission to be the leading developer and investor in Africa’s electricity networks. The Board would also like to thank our Interim co-CEOs, Chris Flavin and Mark Richards who have provided crucial leadership this year as Gridworks has unveiled a series of important new initiatives.”

Erik Knive said: “It’s a privilege to take on this new role and I look forward to working with our team, our shareholder and all our partners to build on the progress that Gridworks has made so far. Well-functioning electricity networks are vital to Africa, where most businesses struggle daily to deal with unreliable power and only half the continent has access to electricity. I’m joining at an exciting time for the company and for Africa’s electricity sector. With its team of dedicated sector experts and an impressive portfolio and pipeline, Gridworks has the potential to transform the lives of millions of people.”

An investor in Africa’s electricity transmission & distribution sector, Gridworks is a
subsidiary of British International Investment, the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor.

Holger Rothenbusch, Managing Director and Head of Infrastructure at BII, said: “I am delighted that Erik is joining Gridworks, at a critically important time, to lead it on its next stage of growth. About 600 million people in Africa still don’t have access to reliable and affordable electricity. BII created Gridworks as a developer, owner and operator specialising in power transmission and distribution in Africa as we believe investing in electricity networks is crucial. Erik, with his significant experience, will further build on the foundations of Gridworks as the continent’s first dedicated investor and developer in electricity networks.”

Gridworks is developing a series of ground-breaking projects to bring clean, affordable and reliable power to Africa’s people and its businesses.

Source: https://energynewsafrica.com