Stone, Staffordshire, United Kingdom, May 17, 2022 – Hitachi Energy is pleased to announce that Laura Fleming has been appointed Country Managing Director for Hitachi Energy in the UK and Ireland, effective July 1, 2022. She succeeds Ian Funnell, who will retire in July after 19 years of service with the company.
Laura joins Hitachi Energy from Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, where over the past ten years she has held various senior roles. She was most recently Global Business Development Director for Hydrogen and Hybrid Systems and Head of Wind Farm Solutions for North Europe and the Middle East region.
Johan Söderström, Region Head Europe, Middle East & Africa, at Hitachi Energy said, “We are delighted to welcome Laura Fleming to our team and at such a crucial moment in the energy transition – one of the most urgent challenges of our times.” Johan continued, “Laura brings extensive experience of developing business and building strong teams in the renewables sector. Working together with colleagues, customers and partners, her expertise and leadership will help to further develop and grow Hitachi Energy in the UK and Ireland, and in the spirit of our purpose: advancing a sustainable energy future for all.”
“We warmly thank Ian Funnell for his many years of dedicated service and leadership within our company and we wish him the very best for the future,” Johan added.
“I am excited to join Hitachi Energy and build on what is already a strong organisation in the UK and Ireland,” said Laura. She added, “It is an honour to be joining such a talented team at what is a very pivotal time for the industry. I am looking forward to working with the team to create value for customers with pioneering solutions that contribute towards a carbon-neutral energy system.”
Laura holds a Masters’ degree in economic development and strategic decision making from Glasgow University, UK, and a Bachelor of Science degree in town and country planning from HU University Utrecht, Netherlands.