Kitepower Appoints Dr Pieter Willems as CEO to Lead Commercialisation Efforts

Pieter brings extensive international leadership experience in the energy and mobility sectors. Over the past 25 years, he has driven the development of innovative and disruptive businesses—both as a start-up entrepreneur and as an executive within global organizations. Pieter is passionate about advancing sustainability and is well-equipped to lead Kitepower into its next phase of growth and scale-up.

“I am excited to join Kitepower at such a crucial moment,” said Dr Pieter Willems. “This company has proven its technology in the field, and we now have a unique opportunity to reshape the future of wind energy—making it more accessible, flexible, and sustainable.”

Johannes Peschel, who founded Kitepower in 2016, added: “Pieter is the best candidate from over 300 applicants. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far and look forward to continuing to contribute as we take the next big step. This is the next step to complete the management team and deliver on Kitepower's ambition to global leadership in airborne wind energy."

Kitepower has developed a cutting-edge airborne wind energy system that uses large kites to generate electricity from higher-altitude winds—offering a lightweight, mobile, and cost-effective alternative to conventional wind turbines. To date, the company has 15 years of R&D experience where over 300 successful flights were logged and 11 pilot projects are completed. 

With commercialisation in sight and the first customer projects in the pipeline, Kitepower is targeting the UK, Netherlands, and Germany as initial markets, with a specific focus on providing remote renewable power solutions to the rural construction industry.