Globeleq Appoints Edouard Wenseleers as CDO
Globeleq appoints Edouard Wenseleers as Chief Development Officer to lead business development activities across Africa.
Edouard Wenseleers, Chief Development Officer at Globeleq.
Globeleq has appointed Edouard Wenseleers as Chief Development Officer, effective 10 August 2026. Wenseleers joins the Executive Committee and will lead the independent power company’s business development activities across Africa. The appointment draws on more than 15 years of experience in the African power sector, including eight years with Globeleq. He succeeds John Smelcer, who is stepping away from the business to prioritise family commitments.
Development Leadership Across Africa
Wenseleers most recently served as Managing Director, Business Development and Head of East Africa, where he led development, acquisition and investment initiatives. He also held overall responsibility for Globeleq’s operations and asset management in Kenya.
His work at the company has included the financial close and construction of the 52 MWp Malindi Solar project, as well as the financial close of the 35 MW Menengai geothermal project in Kenya. He also played a leading role in Globeleq’s acquisition of Norfund’s 51% stake in Lunsemfwa Hydro Power Company.
Jonathan Hoffman, Chief Executive Officer at Globeleq, said:
“Edouard's appointment reflects both his significant contribution to Globeleq over the past eight years and the depth of leadership talent within our organization. He has consistently demonstrated the ability to originate, develop and deliver complex projects in some of Africa's most dynamic markets. As we continue to expand our development portfolio and pursue new opportunities, I believe Edouard is the right leader to get the most out of our team and deliver value for our business and the communities we serve.”
Experience In Regional Projects
Before joining Globeleq in 2018, Wenseleers spent ten years with ENGIE, where he contributed to the development of major power projects in Morocco. He later established and led the company’s East Africa presence from Nairobi.
As Chief Development Officer, he will lead Globeleq’s business development activities across the continent.
Edouard Wenseleers, Chief Development Officer at Globeleq, said:
“Globeleq has built one of the strongest development platforms in Africa, with a diverse pipeline of projects that can deliver meaningful value for our shareholders, customers and host countries. I am excited to work with our teams and partners across the continent to advance high-quality opportunities, reach key project milestones and convert our pipeline into operating assets that contribute to economic growth and energy security.”
Generation Portfolio
Globeleq develops, owns and operates electricity generation assets in Africa. Since 2002, the company has built a portfolio of independent power plants generating 1,660 MW across 17 plants in seven countries, with 665 MW under construction and more than 2,000 MW in development.
Owned by British International Investment and Norfund, Globeleq has promoted an experienced internal development leader to its executive team as it advances its activities across Africa.
