Paul Cavicchi has been appointed as the new president and CEO of Suez Energy North America's renewable energy business division.

The Suez Renewable Energy North America (SRENA) division is responsible for all of the firm’s renewable energy initiatives in North America, including wind, hydro, biomass, and solar energy projects.

Among its activities, the division now manages the third largest biomass portfolio in the US and the Canadian wind power operator and developer Ventus Energy that was acquired by a Suez Energy North America (SENA) affiliate in September 2007.

Mr Cavicchi has been with SENA and its predecessor company since 1991. He most recently served as executive vice president of business development. Mr Cavicchi’s business development experience includes project acquisition and the greenfield development of more than $3 billion in power and liquid natural gas assets.

Zin Smati, president and CEO of SENA, said: SENA understands the increasingly important role renewables will play in the future of North American energy supply and is committed to expanding and developing its renewable energy assets. Paul has the experience and commitment necessary to drive the achievement of SRENA’s aggressive growth goals.