The Hydrogen Council, a global CEO-led initiative comprising the world’s leading businesses and investors in hydrogen, today announced the appointment of Ivana Jemelkova as its Chief Executive Officer, following an extensive, international search.
Ivana Jemelkova is a recognized leader in energy and sustainability, with a track record of building and managing successful coalitions and partnerships to accelerate decarbonization, the council said in a news release. Having most recently served as a senior managing director at a global business advisory firm, her professional experience spans industry, government, and nonprofits. Jemelkova has worked on hydrogen for nearly 15 years, including as an advisor to the Hydrogen Council, which she helped build in 2017. A Czech national, she has lived in Brussels and Washington, DC and worked with diverse teams and organizations worldwide.
Sanjiv Lamba, CEO of Linde plc and Hydrogen Council Co-Chair, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ivana as the CEO of the Hydrogen Council and work closely together as she leads the organization through its next chapter focused on unlocking demand for clean hydrogen and creating a framework for global trade and accelerated investment. This is a crucial and exciting time for hydrogen and we are confident that Ivana’s strategic vision, innovative thinking, and deep understanding of the energy landscape will significantly advance our mission.”
Jemelkova will succeed Daryl Wilson, who stepped down as Executive Director of the Hydrogen Council in September 2023 due to health reasons. During the nine-month transition period, Steven Libbrecht, Director Operations & PMO, acted as Interim Executive Director while Daria Nochevnik, Director Policy & Partnerships, took on additional external representation duties. Jemelkova will officially assume her new role as of June 3, 2024.
Yoshinori Kanehana, Chairman of the Board, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. and Hydrogen Council Co-Chair, said: “We could not be more pleased with the choice of Ivana as the Council’s new leader. Her proven ability to build high-performing teams, foster trusted partnerships and deliver tangible impact make her the perfect fit for this key role. We are grateful to Daryl and the whole Council team for their continued dedication to the Council’s success and support throughout the transition process, and look forward to further building on this strong foundation.”
Ivana Jemelkova, CEO of the Hydrogen Council, said: “The Hydrogen Council has a unique ability to bring together business, policy, finance and civil society leaders to make real progress on climate. I am honoured by the trust the Council has placed in me and excited to lead the organization and work closely with its members, staff and partners towards a sustainable future.”
