Lake Turkana Wind Power, operator of Africa’s largest wind power plant, has appointed Max Schiff as its new chief executive officer effective April 1st. The veteran power industry executive takes over from Phylip Leferink, who departed after serving two years in his second stint as CEO.
The leadership transition at the Kenyan renewable energy giant comes as it aims to bolster its position at the forefront of the country’s and region’s transition to clean power sources.
Lake Turkana’s 365-turbine wind farm has an installed capacity of 310 megawatts, providing around 17% of Kenya’s electricity generation.
“Max will lead the operational and strategic direction of LTWP,” said Mugo Kibati, chairman of the company’s board. “His extensive experience and proven leadership will ensure LTWP’s continued success in injecting clean, reliable, and affordable wind energy into the grid.”
Schiff brings over 15 years of power industry experience to his new role, including senior regional business development and general management positions across eastern and southern Africa.
He has overseen multiple power projects and companies in countries including Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Malawi, Sudan and Eritrea.
Kibati affirmed that under Schiff’s leadership, the company will uphold its core values of “collaboration, accessibility, respect, excellence and safety” as drivers of its operations.
The new CEO faces the dual tasks of ensuring the massive wind farm runs at peak efficiency while exploring potential expansion opportunities. With renewable energy seen as key to East Africa’s sustainable development, his strategic vision will help shape the region’s energy landscape for years to come.
