18 September, 2020 Press release

David Lecoque to lead as new CEO of the Alliance for Rural Electrification

Brussels, 17 September 2020 – The Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE) is pleased to announce that David Lecoque has been selected by the Board of Directors to lead the decentralised renewable energy (DRE) industry association as CEO. The decision comes after three months of transition where David Lecoque served as interim CEO.

The confirmation of leadership is an acknowledgement of the major strides that ARE has made in the last few months and underpins ARE’s renewed vigour to unite the DRE sector and create concrete value for its fast-growing membership (170+ and counting); to work with governments and development partners on improving market conditions to achieve clean energy access (SDG7); and build win-win partnerships on the national and regional level, including with national DRE business associations.

Claudio Pedretti, ARE President“ARE has come a long way from its humble beginnings in 2006. Today, ARE enjoys over 170 members. It is ARE’s vision that by 2030 everyone in the world and in particular all rural people in low-and medium income countries should have access to affordable, secure and clean energy and energy services. With the confirmation of David Lecoque’s leadership at ARE, the Board is confident that he will continue to bring fresh ideas to the table, represent the interest of its members and boost the DRE sector at large.”

David Lecoque builds on nine years of experience in the renewable energy sector, specialising in policy, regulation and business development. Through his work, he leads the association, provides streamlined business development services to ARE members (SME to blue chip corporates working along the renewable energy value chain), develops strategic and commercial partnerships, and advises governments and donors on how to improve market conditions to achieve clean energy access (SDG7) and broader sustainability in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Prior to ARE, David Lecoque practised and qualified as a lawyer at the Brussels Bar, dealing principally with energy and environmental matters in top-tier law firms. In 2015 he was elected as one of Belgium’s 100 most inspiring and sustainable young professionals. He speaks English, French, Flemish and German.

Speaking on his appointment, David Lecoque said“This is a very exciting time for the DRE sector and I am honoured to have the Board’s trust to continue to lead ARE and support the DRE sector so that it can survive the current health crisis and flourish in the years to come. Together with all our members and partners, I look forward to taking ARE to the next level so that, we can achieve clean energy access for all and build a climate safe future.”

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