Top 10: Energy CEOs

The energy sector is in a state of flux. In 2026, the world is in the process of phasing out fossil fuels, bringing in renewables and modernising grids.

That is to say nothing of the electrification and digitalisation happening across the public and private sectors, or the trends towards energy security and sovereignty.

Overseeing such radical changes is demanding. In particular, it demands strong leadership. 

Resilience, agility, foresight and innovation are just some of the qualities that make an outstanding energy leader.

In this week’s Top 10, we look at some of the sector’s CEOs that have been navigating the energy transition the best, whether it’s those that are transitioning away from fossil fuels, or those that are pioneers of climate technology and energy management.

10. Catherine MacGregor

Company: ENGIE
Based in: Paris, France
Appointed in: 2021

Since becoming CEO of ENGIE, Catherine has overseen one of Europe's most significant energy transition programmes. 

The company has continued expanding its renewable generation portfolio while bolstering its suite of electricity networks, energy storage and flexible power solutions.

Catherine is a champion a pragmatic approach that balances energy security with decarbonisation, two things that are top of the EU’s priority list currently.

9. Christian Bruch

Company: Siemens Energy
Based in: Munich, Germany
Appointed in: 2020

Christian has led Siemens Energy since its split with Siemens in 2020, steering the company through huge challenges, guiding it to landmark successes and, most recently, overseeing the firm’s rebrand as Omterra.

Despite experiencing some headwinds with the company’s wind division, Siemens Gamesa, Christian has been steadfast in his commitment to investing in the energy transition, whether that be grid infrastructure, hydrogen-ready turbines or next-generation transmission equipment. 

The company's technologies now help generate, transmit and manage around one-sixth of the world's electricity, making Christian one of the sector's most influential figures.

8. Pedro Azagra Blázquez

Company: Iberdrola
Based in: Bilbao, Spain
Appointed in: 2025

Pedro became CEO of Iberdrola in 2025 after nearly three decades with the company, having previously led its US subsidiary, Avangrid.

Since then, he has played a leading role in the company’s acquisitions and expansion overseas. Today, the firm operates in 29 countries and is one of the top three electricity companies in the world.

Pedro’s ascent to CEO came at a time of great activity for Iberdrola, when Iberdrola’s investments in renewable projects and network upgrades were a near-daily occurrence. 

Speaking with the firm’s investors earlier this year, he said: “Our investment plan is not only ambitious but transformative.”

7. Olivier Blum

Company: Schneider Electric
Based in: Rueil-Malmaison, France
Appointed in: 2024

Olivier took the helm of Schneider Electric after spending decades within the company, becoming the latest in a lineage of iconic leaders of the company, following in the footsteps of Peter Herweck and Jean-Pascal Tricoire.

Under his leadership, Schneider has cemented its position as one of the world's most influential energy technology companies, helping businesses, utilities and data centres become more energy-efficient, as well as more electrified.

His tenure has also coincided with Schneider receiving a great many accolades for its sustainability, including from our sister publication, Sustainability Magazine.

Speaking to Reuters about the firm’s planet-first approach in 2025, he said: “It's very easy to explain how our business is going to contribute positively to this environment because, at the end of the day, the more you save energy, the more you contribute to the climate transition.”

6. Markus Krebber

Company: RWE
Based in: Essen, Germany
Appointed in: 2021

Markus has overseen RWE's evolution into one of Europe's largest renewable energy developers. 

The company has invested billions in offshore wind, onshore renewables, battery storage and hydrogen while reducing reliance on coal generation. 

Since taking the wheel in 2021, Markus has helped to cast RWE as a major developer of clean electricity infrastructure across Europe and North America. 

His leadership illustrates how former conventional utilities can reinvent themselves through long-term investment in low-carbon technologies while continuing to support grid stability.

5. Rasmus Errboe

Company: Ørsted
Based in: Fredericia, Denmark
Appointed in: 2025

Rasmus Errboe took over as Ørsted's Group President and CEO in February 2025, replacing Mads Nipper, after 13 years with the Danish offshore wind developer. 

Since assuming the role, he has helped to stabilise the world’s largest developer of offshore wind, navigating supply chain issues and market fluctuations.

“We’ve improved the financial foundation of the company significantly,” he says, “focused our business on offshore wind, made good progress installing turbines across three continents – all while keeping our existing turbines spinning night and day. This is all thanks to the dedication and effort of our colleagues.”

4. Scott Strazik

Company: GE Vernova
Based in: Cambridge, Massachusetts, US
Appointed in: 2021

Scott has helped to put GE Vernova at the centre of the world's growing demand for electricity. 

Since the company spun off from General Electric in 2024, he has overseen a period of rapid growth across its portfolio of generation, grid and electrification technologies. 

Under Scott’s watch, the company is investing in all manner of things, including advanced gas turbines, offshore wind, grid modernisation and digital solutions, making the company a go-to partner and a leading light in its own right.

3. Estelle Brachlianoff

Company: Veolia
Based in: Aubervilliers, France
Appointed in: 2022

Estelle is one of the world's most influential and visionary energy leaders. 

While Veolia is perhaps best known for its services in the treatment of water and waste, it is a major player in the energy sector, both as a producer of low-carbon power and as an energy management pioneer.

Estelle’s tenure has seen the firm become an indispensable partner to data centre operators looking to manage their energy demand sustainably, culminating in the recent announcement of Veolia’s Data Center Resource 360 platform.

She has also continued the firm’s work in circularity, converting waste into energy.

She has also led the commencement of several high-profile district heating projects.

2. John Ketchum

Company: NextEra Energy
Based in: Juno Beach, Florida, US
Appointed in: 2022

John has served as President and CEO of NextEra since early 2022, reaching the top office exactly two decades after first joining. 

NextEra is a true titan of renewable energy, and this reputation has only been further solidified under John’s guidance. Today, it is considered the world’s largest solar and wind company, with a market cap that often exceeds US$170bn.

John’s latest move has seen him agree a US$67bn deal to acquire another American utility firm, Dominion Energy, which will see NextEra become the world’s largest utility.

He has described the deal as a “no-brainer”, saying that this new scale will help NextEra solve the sector’s biggest challenges.

Discussing the deal with analysts recently, he said: “Our country is at an inflection point. The demand for electricity is increasing unlike anything we’ve seen in generations. Today, energy infrastructure projects are larger and more complex than ever before. Practically every corner of America needs power solutions, not someday, but right now.”

1. Flavio Cattaneo

Company: Enel
Based in: Rome, Italy
Appointed in: 2023

As the leader of the world’s largest private renewable energy company, Flavio is undoubtedly among the industry’s most important and influential figures.

He has led Enel through a period of rising electricity demand and accelerating investment in grid infrastructure, renewable energy and power networks. 

Since his appointment, Enel’s financial value has increased significantly, with Bloomberg calling this upswing the “Cattaneo Effect”.

Initially, Flavio looked to cut costs and implement a stricter investment strategy, focusing more on high-value infrastructure and grid network projects.

His tenure has also seen the company continue its expansion across Europe and Latin America, particularly in Brazil, where it is now the country’s largest electricity distributor.

Under his leadership, the company continues to expand renewable generation, modernise distribution networks and support electrification across the world.