Renewable energy developer Mulilo Energy has appointed former Scatec executive VP Jan Fourie to succeed outgoing CEO Johnny Cullum when he steps down in May.

Cullum has served as CEO since Mulilo started up in 2008, and attributes its success to the talented and committed group of people who work at Mulilo. He will continue to serve Mulilo as a board member and retains his shareholding.

Mulilo Energy focuses on onshore wind, solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies and battery energy storage systems (BESS). It aims to provide cost-effective energy solutions to enable high-impact local economic development and social upliftment, which are key to a just transition to renewable energy in South Africa.

The company has built 420 MW of operational solar PV and onshore wind projects under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme and for the private offtake market. A further 1 087 MW of solar PV, onshore wind and BESS projects are currently under financial close.

In July, Mulilo was acquired by the world’s largest dedicated fund manager within greenfield renewable energy investments, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), through its Growth Markets Fund I.

“I have absolute confidence in Jan’s ability to lead the company as it strives to fulfil its ambitious five-year growth target of 5 GW of renewables,” Cullum says.

“I am thrilled to join Mulilo as CEO at this pivotal moment in its and South Africa’s energy history. With CIP’s support, my focus will be on unlocking the potential that Mulilo has to scale its operations and deliver clean, reliable energy to millions. This is about more than just business – it is about building a brighter future for all,” comments Fourie.

“Since 2009 and under Johnny’s guidance, Mulilo has grown into a significant value-added company intent on delivering a sustainable electricity supply to South Africa. Our thanks for Johnny’s unwavering dedication, outstanding leadership, and countless contributions that have shaped the success of our company are heartfelt, and we wish him every success in his future endeavours,” says Mulilo chairperson Jan Oberholzer.

“Jan brings significant experience and knowledge, and we know he will build on the foundation laid by Johnny and ensure Mulilo remains committed to delivering excellence and adding substantial value, not only to our stakeholders, but to the economy and the lives of the 61-million people of our beautiful country,” he adds.

Meanwhile, CIP partner Robert Helms says the company welcomes Fourie to Mulilo.

“We are certain that he and the strong management team will maintain the positive trajectory of the company and deliver on Mulilo’s ambition of making a positive contribution to the green transition as well as local growth and job creation in South Africa.”