Celebrating a career that made a difference

As the year ends, I want to take a moment to pay tribute to John Lavelle, ahead of his upcoming retirement from GE on December 31st, after a 35-year career in the company.

I was sad when John told me many months ago that he wanted to retire at year-end, but I fully understand him wanting to spend more time with his wife, children and grandchildren at their home in New Hampshire, USA.

Leaving a legacy

John’s remarkable career, which saw him play leadership roles in many different GE energy businesses all over the world, has in many ways paralleled the history of the global energy transition. He has made many significant contributions, including serving as regional executive for South Asia, holding executive leadership positions in the sales, services and projects areas of GE’s energy business, including leading Global Project Operations, and serving as CEO of the Digital Energy Business of GE Energy Management, among others.

Along the way, John has been a creative innovator, helping to address major business challenges, and he has successfully managed the execution of some of our most complex projects. John built a commercial operation for Gas Power Services that set the standard for risk management in contractual service agreements;?he led the commercial launch of GE’s gasification business, successfully completing the largest integrated gasification combined cycle project in the USA; and he established the Global Project Operations team supporting the entire energy portfolio, driving standards in project management and execution across a rapidly growing project portfolio.?

John has one of the strongest passions for customers I have seen and dedicates himself to finding solutions to customer problems that ensure alignment with GE’s goals as well.?He has been on the front line of some of the most difficult situations our company has had to face. To name only one that showcases his dedication to the company, without hesitation, John jumped onto a plane immediately after the Fukushima disaster to help our customer, TEPCO, recover from the dramatic situation.

During his time at GE Renewable Energy, John has led, with his team, the successful build-up of our Offshore Wind business, from a small venture at the beginning, to what has become today a credible, global player in the industry.?Thanks to him and his team, we have a strong business that is differentiated with a leading technology, the Haliade-X, and standing ready to execute, among others, Dogger Bank in the UK, the largest offshore wind project in the world, and Vineyard Wind, the first large offshore wind project in the U.S. This business, with its strong team, all its accomplishments, potential, and customer commitments, is a strong legacy that John can leave with pride.

John has also taken the transition process seriously, supporting Jan Kj?rsgaard as he takes the reigns as the new CEO of our Offshore Wind business beginning next year. I know that Jan also joins me in acknowledging and appreciating everything John has done to set us up for success.

Beyond a colleague, a true friend

To me, John represents the best of GE. He would never shy away from a challenge, always go the extra mile for customers and is eager to be where the action is - anywhere on the planet. He is a great leader, loved by his teams, attentive to them and able to provide the support and coaching they need to achieve outstanding results. GE is immensely fortunate – and proud -- to have had the long service of John during these 35 years.

Photo: John and myself at the unveiling of the very first Haliade-X nacelle at Saint-Nazaire, France, in July 2019, pre-COVID mask wearing

Anyone who has worked closely with John is sure to tell you that they are better for the experience. John has a bit of a stubborn streak and even I have not always had the most luck changing his mind, but I have enjoyed working with him every step of the way. He has been a great help to me in my induction to GE many years ago and a great coach and advisor to me on many fronts, so I feel immense gratitude to him as I write these lines.

After an immensely rich and successful career, John will now travel less and rest a bit more. I am sure all the GE Renewable Energy teams, as well as all those at GE who worked with him over the years, will join me in sincerely thanking him for what he has done for our company and wishing him the happiest possible retirement.

John, enjoy your retirement – you deserve it!

Jér?me