Hitachi Energy strengthens Grid Edge expertise in its Executive Team

Maxine Ghavi’s appointment as Executive Vice President and Head of Europe from April 1, 2024 will be a strategic addition to support the company in its expansion. In addition to “strengthening the core” two growth pillars in the Hitachi Energy 2030 plan are “doubling efforts on digital and services and expansion at the edge of the energy system”, and “innovation, synergies and partnerships”. To meet the accelerating energy transition demand, Hitachi Energy is continuously investing in innovation and expanding capacity in line with the 2030 growth plan.

“I am very pleased that Maxine Ghavi will be joining our Hitachi Energy Executive Team with her strong expertise in Grid Edge, digital technology and business models to expand at the edge of the energy system”, said Claudio Facchin, CEO of Hitachi Energy. “As we are advancing the world’s energy system to be more sustainable, flexible and secure, expansion at the edge of the energy system, collaboration, and partnerships are key to our success. In her role as Head of Europe, Maxine will be working closely with Johan, Noaman, and the entire leadership team to relentlessly continue serving our customers and partners and deliver on our commitments.”

Maxine is currently the Global Head of Grid Edge Solutions in Hitachi Energy’s Grid Automation Business Unit, a role that she’s held for the last five years. She has been instrumental in the evolution at the edge of the energy system from when she held the roles of Head of the Solar Industry Segment Initiative and Microgrids Program in ABB till today.  Maxine brings a wealth of experience and diversity of thought into her new role, with more than 30 years of experience across various functions and multiple industries, including leadership roles in market and operations within Hitachi Energy, ABB and other companies. Maxine holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from San Jose State University in California, US.

The additional related changes to the Hitachi Energy Executive Team will further support collaboration with customers and partners and the company’s capacity expansion – underpinned by the company’s strong Purpose of ‘Advancing a sustainable energy future for all’.

In addition to the appointment of Maxine Ghavi:

• Johan Söderström, Executive Vice President of Europe and Middle East & Africa, is appointed as Executive Advisor to Hitachi Energy’s CEO and Executive Team from April 1, 2024, to support the implementation of the 2030 growth plan globally. With his 37 years of markets and operations experience in Hitachi Energy and previously in ABB, Johan will bring unmatched global expertise to the entire leadership team.  

• Noaman Amjad, Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer for Hitachi Energy, and Head of Japan, South America & South Korea is appointed Head of Middle East & Africa from April 1, 2024, in addition to his current responsibilities. With more than 30 years of experience in the power grids sector through several global, regional, front-end, and business roles in Hitachi Energy and ABB, Noaman will be instrumental in delivering the next phase of profitable and sustainable growth.