Uniper CEO to resign due to government takeover.
Klaus-Dieter Maubach intends to step down as Chairman of the Management Board of Uniper SE. This was communicated by Uniper in a mandatory announcement. Maubach declared to the Supervisory Board of Uniper that due to the majority takeover of Uniper by the German Federal Government (“change-of-control”) he will exercise his special right of termination and resign as a member of the Management Board of Uniper SE this year.
At the same time, Maubach declared his willingness to continue performing his duties until a suitable replacement has been appointed. Maubach was appointed Chairman of the Management Board of Uniper SE on March 29, 2021.
Tom Blades, Supervisory Board Chairman
Klaus-Dieter Maubach has led Uniper through the existential crisis triggered by Russia last year.
“He has succeeded in stabilizing the company, for which he deserves great thanks, which I would like to express on behalf of the entire Supervisory Board. We welcome the fact that Klaus-Dieter Maubach is prepared to lead the Management Board until an orderly succession is secured.”
Klaus-Dieter Maubach, CEO said:
I am pleased and relieved that the extensive stabilization measures for Uniper have been agreed.
“The entry of the German Federal Government as the new majority shareholder marks the start of a new phase. A strategic realignment of the company will have to take place, and there is no time to lose. I am convinced that now is the right time to clear the way for a new Management Board team to take on the new challenges beyond the end of the stabilization measures. Until my departure, I will continue to support the Supervisory Board and the company with my full commitment.”
In addition to Maubach, Uniper’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) David Bryson also announced his departure from the Uniper Management Board with reference to his special termination right. Until a suitable replacement has been secured, Bryson will continue to fulfill his role. Bryson has been a member of the Management Board since November 1, 2019.
David Bryson, COO said:
Having been part of Uniper since its inception I am sad to depart.
“What remains is a company with a strong purpose and a talented team. I will be leaving committed and professional colleagues, some of whom I have known since 2008. Nevertheless, I have decided that now is the time for me to move on, thus creating the space for a new Board to be formed.”
“I am confident that Uniper will continue its transformation towards a decarbonized and sustainable future, whilst maintaining security of supply for our customers. Until the orderly transition to my successor can be completed, I will be fully available to the company.”
Tom Blades, said:
On behalf of the Supervisory Board, I would like to thank David Bryson for his many years of service in various functions at Uniper and, in particular, his contribution to safeguarding security of supply in Europe during the crisis last year.
New appointments to the Uniper Board of Management team
The Uniper Supervisory Board is already working on reshuffling the Uniper Board of Management team as a whole. This reshuffle is necessary because with the already known departure of Tiina Tuomela (Chief Financial Officer) and today’s announcement, three of the four Management Board members will leave the company this year.
The current contract of Niek den Hollander (Chief Commercial Officer) expires as scheduled at the end of May 2023 and the Supervisory Board is now exploring all options.
Tom Blades: “The company is in a phase of realignment so that it can fulfill its role in a changed energy world. This process, which has already been started by the former Management Board, must now be consequently continued. The Uniper Supervisory Board is already working full steam to put the new Management Board team in place, and we are very confident we will be able to announce more about the replacements soon.”
Harald Seegatz, Chairman Group Works Council and Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board:
I very much regret the upcoming changes on the Uniper Board of Management and thank my colleagues for their commitment to our company so far.
“We have all gone through a difficult time together, but now we are looking ahead. For the upcoming period, the Uniper team deserves a Management Board that will shape Uniper’s future with extensive expertise and experience.”
About Uniper
Düsseldorf-based Uniper is an international energy company with activities in more than 40 countries. With around 7,000 employees, it makes an important contribution to security of supply in Europe. Uniper’s core businesses are power generation in Europe, global energy trading, and a broad gas portfolio.
Uniper procures gas – including liquefied natural gas (LNG) – and other energy sources on global markets. The company owns and operates gas storage facilities with a capacity of more than 7 billion cubic meters. Uniper plans for its 22.5 GW of installed power-generating capacity in Europe to be carbon-neutral by 2035.
The company already ranks among Europe’s largest operators of hydroelectric plants and intends to further expand solar and wind energy, which are essential for a more sustainable and autonomous future.
Uniper is a reliable partner for communities, municipal utilities, and industrial enterprises for planning and implementing innovative, lower-carbon solutions on their decarbonization journey. Uniper is a hydrogen pioneer, is active worldwide along the entire hydrogen value chain, and is conducting projects to make hydrogen a mainstay of the energy supply.
Highlights:
- Klaus-Dieter Maubach and David Bryson announce their departure from Uniper
- Klaus-Dieter Maubach: “It is the right time to clear the way for a new Management Board”
- Tom Blades: “The Supervisory Board is already working under full steam to put together a new Management Board team”
READ the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Hydrogen Central
Personnel Changes in Uniper’s Board of Management announced, January 10, 2022