Former German State Secretary and Westenergie CEO Katherina Reiche Joins Ingrid Capacity’s Board of Directors

Katherina Reiche joins Ingrid Capacity’s Board of Directors, brining decades of senior leadership from both public office and the energy industry.

Ingrid Capacity announces the appointment of Katherina Reiche, one of Europe’s most influential energy leaders, to it’s Board of Directors. Reiche currently serves as CEO of Westenergie, Germany’s largest regional energy service provider and distribution system operator, and brings decades of senior experience from both public office and the energy industry. This appointment underscores Ingrid Capacity’s bold ambition to optimize the electricity grid across Europe. 

Ingrid Capacity, founded in 2022, is rethinking how energy systems work — tackling grid constraints by combining flexible energy assets, advanced grid optimization software, and new ways to contract and trade electricity and flexibility. The goal is to make real-time flexibility available where and when it’s needed to meet the growing demand for clean electricity. Reiche’s appointment comes at a time of rapid growth for Ingrid Capacity, both in terms of European market expansion and solutions offering expansion. The company has already established a market-leading position in the Nordics with over 200 MWh of operational battery storage in Sweden and 340 MWh under construction in the Nordics, supported by a proprietary trading and optimization platform.

“Katherina’s appointment marks an important  milestone for Ingrid Capacity,” says Axel Holmberg, CEO of Ingrid Capacity. “She brings a rare combination of utility leadership, regulatory insights as well as strategic depth. Her presence on our board strengthens our European outlook – especially in Germany, where her credibility and experience is unparalleled.”

Reiche’s background is uniquely suited to guide Ingrid Capacity’s next chapter. In addition to her role as CEO at Westenergie, she served for nearly two decades in the German Bundestag for the CDU, holding senior government posts including Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministries of Environment and Transport. She led Germany’s Association of Public Utilities (VKU), sits on several prominent advisory boards, and currently chairs the National Hydrogen Council of the German Federal Government, advising on energy transition strategy at the highest level.

“Ingrid Capacity is doing what many talk about – combining long-term infrastructure with real-time market innovation,”says Katherina Reiche, new member of the board at Ingrid Capacity. “That’s a key advantage as the role of flexibility grows. I’m excited to support a company that is entrepreneurial, fast-moving, and deeply committed to solving some of the most urgent challenges facing Europe’s energy systems.”

The Board already includes several prominent figures from energy and politics. Reiche’s appointment adds further European seniority to the team and reflects Ingrid’s growing reach. Her entrepreneurial mindset — shaped by both her leadership journey and family background in business — aligns with Ingrid’s dynamic, purpose-driven culture.

“I am happy to be joined by Katherina in the board room” says Ibrahim Baylan, former Swedish Minister for Energy and member of Ingrid Capacity’s Board. “Her experience spans the entire spectrum of the energy sector – from the regulatory engine room of Berlin to the operational frontline of one of Europe’s largest DSOs. She’s exactly the kind of team member  we need as we scale across Europe.”

With her deep expertise in grid dynamics, regulation, and European policy, Reiche will strengthen Ingrid Capacity’s ability to navigate and influence the evolving energy landscape – and help the company accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy system.