Q&A with Dr. Marko Ladehoff, Chair of the GWO Audit & Compliance Committee

Dr. Marko Ladehoff, Global Head of HSE at BayWa r.e., brings extensive experience in health, safety and environmental leadership to his new role as Chair of the GWO Audit & Compliance Committee. The GWO team spoke with him about his new position.

What excites you about serving on the GWO Board, as Chair of the GWO Audit & Compliance Committee?

It’s fulfilling to be part of the GWO Board and contribute to the global wind and solar industry’s growth and sustainability. Working alongside industry leaders from various organisations provides a unique opportunity to share knowledge and best practices, fostering a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement.

The Audit & Compliance Committee plays a crucial role in ensuring the adequacy and effectiveness of the GWO certification process. Leading the committee allows for the implementation of robust compliance frameworks and innovative solutions to address emerging challenges.

What interests you most about GWO as an organisation?

With over 600 training providers in more than 55 countries, GWO's impact is truly global. This widespread adoption of GWO standards helps create a consistent level of safety worldwide. The organisation’s dedication to creating and maintaining high safety standards for technicians stands out to me because this safety focus helps reduce workplace injuries and ensures a safer working environment. Moreover, the collaboration GWO fosters between manufacturers and renewable energy operators ensures that these safety standards are relevant and widely accepted across the industry.

How will your experience in QHSE serve you in this role?

My QHSE experience involves identifying, assessing and mitigating risks. These skills are crucial for ensuring compliance with safety standards and minimising potential hazards in the wind and solar industries. I am also familiar with local, national and international regulations to ensure that all operations meet legal requirements, supporting GWO in maintaining high standards and avoiding any legal issues. Finally, my experience in conducting internal and external audits will help in overseeing the audit processes, ensuring thorough evaluations and continuous improvement.