Slovenia reshuffles leadership at state-owned GEN energy companies

Slovenia has appointed new leadership at its state-owned energy companies, GEN Energija and electricity trader GEN-I. Former minister Andrej Vizjak has been named chief executive of GEN Energija for a four-year term, succeeding Nada Drobne Popovič. Jure Soklič has been appointed to lead GEN-I, replacing Maks Helbl.

The leadership changes aim to resolve complex and unusual ownership structures within the GEN ecosystem. Previously, cross-ownership between GEN Energija, GEN-I, and Gen-EL prevented the state from exercising full management rights, despite the state being the 100% owner of GEN Energija. The reshuffle is intended to ensure the companies are more directly accountable to the state.

These appointments come as the companies approach critical decision-making stages regarding major energy infrastructure, most notably the proposed Krško 2 (JEK2) nuclear project and the Mokrice hydropower project. Vizjak indicated that the group will maintain its current generation strategy, focusing on these long-term investments to ensure domestic energy security and balance the national electricity system.