French independent power producer (IPP) Akuo Energy has announced the appointment of a new chief executive officer (CEO), Bruno Bensasson, following the company’s acquisition by private equity firm Ardian.  

A Frenchman, Bensasson is an industry expert, having worked with both the public and private sectors. He served the French Ministry for Industry as the technical advisor responsible for industry, the environment and transport, and later at the Office of the French Presidency. 

Among the corporates in the energy space, Bensasson joined GDF SUEZ in 2007, which was later renamed ENGIE. He also served as the Chairman and CEO of EDF Renewables from 2018 to 2024 (see EDF Brings Back Bensasson).

From April 2024 until his appointment at Akuo, he served as an independent advisor in industry and energy and was voted onto the board of directors of the Danish company Vestas.

“It is with pride and enthusiasm that I take the helm of Akuo, pioneer of an exciting sector. With the support of its new shareholder Ardian and the commitment and multiple areas of expertise of its teams, I am convinced that we will be able to continue and accelerate the Company’s profitable growth, benefiting all its stakeholders and the climate,” said Bensasson.  

Akuo’s Founders, Eric Scotto and Patrice Lucas, along with the ICG Fund, have sold 100% of the company stake to Ardian in a bid to secure finances to advance its acceleration strategy. Akuo targets to achieve 5 GW of installed capacity by 2030. Its current project portfolio stands at over 10 GW in Europe and the Americas. 

Scotto has been appointed as the chairman of the supervisory board to facilitate the transition.