VDE Americas: Ushering in a new era with a change in leadership

(Frankfurt a. M., 13.08.2025) With the aim of promoting the expansion of renewable energies, VDE Americas advises companies that develop, operate, own, finance and insure solar and energy storage systems. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of the VDE Group, VDE Americas has established itself as the world's leading expert in hail risk information and damage prevention for photovoltaic (PV) systems since its founding in 2013. With its team of technology experts and engineers, the independent service provider not only helps its customers maximize the quality and performance of their systems, but also reduces technical risks at both the system and device level. As demand for technical consulting services continues to grow, VDE Americas has appointed an experienced executive with around 25 years of industry expertise as its new President and CEO: Brian Grenko replaces John Sedgwick, who has been President and CEO since 2013. Sedgwick will remain on the board and will work for VDE Americas in an advisory capacity.

“Working with my colleagues at VDE has been very important,” summarizes John Sedgwick. ”Together, we have been able to establish and expand our company in the market. I am pleased to be able to pass the baton on to Brian Grenko. Our team and technology platform, coupled with his experience in developing long-term customer relationships, are a good starting point for our next chapter of growth.”

Grenko has spent the last eight years successfully building the company's technical consulting practice. Prior to joining VDE, he was CEO of Amplify Energy, an engineering firm focused on measuring and improving the operating performance of solar power generation facilities. Grenko previously held senior management positions at Yingli Green Energy and GE Energy, after its acquisition of the pioneering solar panel manufacturer AstroPower where he started his solar career. “I look forward to continuing and expanding the work of John Sedgwick. Together with our experts, we will continue to advance the use of renewable energies,” says Grenko.

About VDE Americas

VDE Americas provides technical advisory and risk mitigation services to renewable energy stakeholders – from project owners and financiers to equipment manufacturers and those who construct, operate and insure large-scale power generation and energy storage facilities. A wholly owned subsidiary of the VDE Group, VDE Americas is recognized globally as the leading authority in solar project hail risk intelligence and loss prevention. The company's expertise and innovative solutions have facilitated billions of dollars of investment in renewable energy assets.

For more information, visit: www.vde.com/en/vde-americas

About VDE

VDE, one of the largest technology organizations in Europe, has been regarded as a synonym for innovation and technological progress for more than 130 years. VDE is the only organization in the world that combines science, standardization, testing, certification, and application consulting under one umbrella. The VDE mark has been synonymous with the highest safety standards and consumer protection for more than 100 years. 

Our passion is the advancement of technology, the next generation of engineers and technologists, and lifelong learning and career development “on the job”. Within the VDE network more than 2,000 employees at over 60 locations worldwide, more than 100,000 honorary experts, and around 1,500 companies are dedicated to ensuring a future worth living: networked, digital, electrical.  
Shaping the e-dialistic future. 

The VDE (VDE Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies) is headquartered in Frankfurt am Main. For more information, visit www.vde.com