The Perspective – CEO Series | Germany
Germany is a core growth market for Zelestra, where we are delivering integrated, customer-driven solutions. With the Klevenow solar project set to be fully operational by the end of Q2, we have moved quickly from project development into construction and towards operations, with a 2 GW pipeline in total being progressed across 25 solar and 15 BESS projects in the country. In this new edition of The Perspective CEO Series, we profile Robert Hienz, our CEO in Germany, and hear his views on market dynamics, evolving customer needs, and how Zelestra is executing its strategy on the ground.
We continue our CEO Insights series, where we share perspectives from the leaders driving Zelestra’s growth across our key markets.
In each edition, our CEOs reflect on the evolving energy landscape, the challenges our customers face, and how we are delivering integrated, tailored solutions to support their decarbonization journeys. The series also offers a more personal perspective on what drives them as leaders.
In this third edition, we turn to Germany, where Robert Hienz shares his views on market transformation, customer needs, and the opportunities ahead for Zelestra.
Q1. Tell us a little about yourself. What led you into the energy sector and ultimately to leading Zelestra?
The energy market has fundamentally changed since I started, through market opening, liberalization, decentralization, and the rise of renewables. I wanted to be part of that transformation and have had the opportunity to support many of these shifts throughout my career.
Zelestra stood out as a unique opportunity: building something with strong growth potential, clear future orientation, high ambition, and a strong shareholder - combined with a clear focus on customers and impact.
Q2. What excites you most about leading Zelestra at this stage of the company’s growth?
It’s the combination of momentum and opportunity. We are building our business in a fast-growing market with increasing demand for integrated energy solutions.
What excites me most is shaping this growth and translating our vision into real projects and creating long-term value for our clients and partners.
Q3. What are the biggest challenges clients are facing today?
Clients face cost pressure, regulatory complexity, and the need to decarbonize, all while ensuring reliable energy supply.
In addition, there is significant uncertainty around future regulatory frameworks and a growing demand for energy. Balancing these factors makes long-term planning for our customers increasingly challenging.
That’s why Zelestra’s customer-first approach is a differentiator. We seek to understand the needs of our customers in detail before designing solutions.
Q4. How does Zelestra’s multi-technology approach help address these challenges?
Our multi-technology approach allows us to combine solar, storage, hybrid systems, and efficiency solutions into tailored, integrated systems.
This flexibility enables us to improve reliability, reduce costs, and support decarbonization, while also bringing in international experience from projects across multiple markets.
Q5. Can you share an example of a complex solution delivered by Zelestra?
In one project, the client had very specific operational requirements combined with ambitious sustainability targets. A standard solution was not sufficient.
We developed a hybrid solution from an integrated perspective, covering project development, EPC, and product structuring. This end-to-end approach, combined with close collaboration, allowed us to deliver a highly customized and effective solution.
Q6. What do clients value most when partnering with Zelestra globally?
Trust and reliability are fundamental. Beyond that, clients value that we truly think from their perspective, our business model is built around finding the right solution for their needs.
They also appreciate tailored approaches and the ability to leverage global expertise for local challenges.
Q7. How does collaboration across markets strengthen your success in Germany?
Our global platform allows us to bring experience, innovation, and best practices from multiple markets into Germany.
Combined with strong local expertise, this creates a powerful setup and enables us to deliver better, faster, and more tailored solutions.
Q8. What are your priorities for the next 12 months?
Our priorities are clear: growth, strengthening our integrated approach, and turning our pipeline into live customer projects.
Execution will be key. We need to deliver projects successfully while continuing to build long-term partnerships.
Q9. What inspires or motivates you as a leader outside of work?
Family and friends are an important source of balance and motivation. I also stay active through sports and other activities.
At the same time, I strongly believe in lifelong learning - both professionally and personally - as a key driver for growth and perspective.
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