Energy-as-a-Service executive to lead and accelerate PerPetum's next phase of international growth; founder Luc Leenknegt to become Chairman of the Board.
Nazareth-De Pinte, Belgium, 09/06/2026. PerPetum Energy, a leading Belgium-based provider of turnkey, on-site energy systems for energy-intensive industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of Nina Waffenschmidt as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. She succeeds founder Luc Leenknegt, who will become Chairman of the Board.
PerPetum helps energy-intensive industrial and commercial customers to cut carbon and energy costs and avoid grid fees by combining renewable generation, storage and active energy management with flexible, off-balance financing. PerPetum delivers these as a fully managed service, from design through long-term operation, creating immediate economic and environmental benefits.
A leader from the Energy-as-a-Service sector
Nina Waffenschmidt brings extensive experience in the energy sector to PerPetum. She joins from LichtBlick, Germany's largest provider of 100% green electricity, where she served as Chief Executive Officer of LichtBlick Energy as a Service GmbH from 2023, having joined LichtBlick SE as Director Operations in 2021. Across her career, Nina has held senior executive roles spanning finance, international sales and consulting.
I have taken great pleasure in growing PerPetum from a start-up in 2007 into the established market leader that it is today. Nina has the leadership skills, sector expertise and operational experience to drive our next phase of growth. Her background in Energy-as-a-Service is directly aligned with our strategy, and her knowledge of the German market will be a significant asset as we accelerate our expansion there.
Luc Leenknegt, founder of PerPetum Energy
I am delighted to be joining PerPetum at such a pivotal moment. Industrial and commercial companies are increasingly looking for integrated energy solutions that reduce energy costs, strengthen resilience and accelerate decarbonisation, from one single partner. PerPetum has built an impressive track record in on-site energy systems, combining technical expertise, long-term customer partnerships and innovative financing. I look forward to working with the team to deliver on its growth ambitions across Europe.
Nina Waffenschmidt, incoming CEO of PerPetum Energy
Strategic priorities 2026-2028
The appointment supports PerPetum's 2026-2028 strategic priorities, which include the delivery of value-driven, integrated energy solutions that combine on-site solar, storage, wind, EV charging, heat electrification and active energy management as a one-stop-shop, and accelerating international expansion. PerPetum currently operates and is building close to 300 MWp of owned assets in Belgium and is developing projects in France, the Netherlands and Germany. The company has installed over 700 MWp of PV capacity since its inception. PerPetum's portfolio includes some of Europe's largest behind-the-meter projects.
Having founded PerPetum in 2007 and led the company through nearly two decades of growth, Luc Leenknegt will transition to the role of Chairman of the Board. He remains a shareholder and will continue to support the business.
PerPetum has established itself as a highly differentiated platform serving the growing demand for decentralised energy infrastructure. We are delighted to welcome Nina as CEO. Her track record in scaling energy services businesses and delivering customer-focused energy solutions makes her exceptionally well positioned to lead PerPetum's continued expansion across Europe.
Giuseppe Curatolo, Founding Partner of Pioneer Point Partners