Siemens Energy EU Innovation Conference 2025

Jaap van Kampen, VP Innovation Center Berlin, Field of Action Leader “24/7 Carbon-Free Energy”

Introduction:

Jaap van Kampen is a distinguished leader in the energy sector with over 20 years of experience. With a strong background in leading innovation organizations across various segments of our business, Jaap has been instrumental in driving decarbonization and sustainable energy projects.

Educational Background:

Jaap van Kampen holds a PhD in Acoustics & Combustion and an MSc in Mechanical Engineering, both from Twente University in the Netherlands, graduating with honors. 

Kathleen O’Brien, Chief Technology Officer Innovation, Siemens Energy

Introduction:

Kathleen O’Brien is a distinguished leader and engineer with over 20 years of experience in innovation strategy, energy technologies, grid technologies, and renewable energy policy.

Educational Background:

Kathleen O’Brien holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Technische Universität Dresden. 

Juha Pankakoski, Executive Vice President for Global Functions

Introduction:

Juha Pankakoski is Executive Vice President for Global Functions at Siemens Energy, responsible for areas including IT, Procurement, Innovation, and Project Execution. He has extensive experience in international business and management, particularly in digital transformation, business process harmonization, and technological development.

Prior to joining Siemens Energy, he spent a decade at Konecranes as part of the Executive Leadership Team, most recently as the EVP of Business Area Port Solutions. Before his tenure at Konecranes, which began in 2004, Juha worked in telecommunications and IT.

Educational Background:

Juha holds an Executive MBA from Aalto Executive Education and a Master's degree in Engineering from Helsinki University of Technology. 

Torben Nørgaard, Chief Technology Officer Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping

Introduction:

Torben Nørgaard is a distinguished thought leader with over 25 years of experience in the international energy industry. Renowned for development of syn-fuel processes and energy markets, they have contributed significantly to the understanding of sector coupling and synergies to support the decarbonization journey.

Educational Background:

Torben Nørgaard holds a M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering in combustion reaction kinetics from Technical University of Denmark. Their academic journey also includes diploma in business administration from Copenhagen Business School.

Career:

Torben Nørgaard has held several pivotal roles, including:

• CTO, MMMCZCS - drive demonstration and scaling of sustainable fuel pathways
• Commercial Director, Maersk Oil – global green field energy development
• Technology Supervisor, Haldor Topsoe – Process development of syn-fuel plants

João Gonçalo Maciel, Managing Director, EDP R&D Centre

Introduction:

João is the Managing Director of EDP’s R&D Centre.  He was former Technology Development Director of EDP Inovação and served on the Board of other EDP R&D initiatives, namely the WindFloat Project. He has 20+ years of experience in working in the energy sector.

Educational Background:

João holds a degree in Electrical Engineering – Power Systems from Lisbon University, an MBA from Portuguese Catholic University and NOVA Business School and advanced management studies from the London Business School.

Frederikke Toemmergaard, Head of Communications Europe, Siemens Energy

Introduction:

Frederikke Tømmergaard has 20 years’ experience leading communications and corporate affairs for global companies around the world. Prior to joining the Siemens Energy family six years ago, she spent eight years with play and creativity at LEGO.

Educational Background:

Frederikke holds a degree in Journalism from the Danish School of Media and Journalism and also studied Law at the University of Aarhus.

Stefan Besser, Head of Division IIB5: Energy Research in the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK)

Introduction:

Stefan Besser is an economist with over 25 years of experience in Governmental Affairs. He worked on serval topics related to Climate- and Energy policy. Since August 2023 he is leading the division in charge for the implementation of the BMWK-Programme for Applied Energy Research.