Lars Thaaning Pedersen appointed CEO of Copenhagen Offshore Partners as Henrik Scheinemann steps into Chairman role

Copenhagen, Denmark, August 10, 2026

Copenhagen Offshore Partners (COP), a global leader in offshore wind development, construction, and operations, today announced that co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Henrik Scheinemann will transition from his role as CEO into Chairman of the Board, effective September 1, 2026. COP co-founder Lars Thaaning Pedersen is re-joining COP as CEO. This leadership transition represents a planned next step in COP’s evolution as the company continues its vision to unlock the full potential of offshore wind to power the world. 

Reflecting on his time leading COP, Scheinemann stated: “When Lars and I founded COP, we shared a vision of creating a company that could play a meaningful role to accelerate the global energy transition. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved. This includes active development of offshore wind projects with partners and stakeholders around the world in Asia Pacific, the United States, and Europe, as well as working alongside our team of people who have helped build our unique culture and are committed to accelerating the energy transition.  

This is the right moment for this transition. COP is in a strong position, and I have great confidence in its future. Lars has been my closest partner throughout much of this journey. He understands our business, our culture, and our ambitions, and I cannot think of anyone better positioned to lead COP into its next chapter. I look forward to supporting the team as Chairman.  

Since 2015, COP has shared an exclusive collaboration with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP). Through support by CIP’s Funds and strategies, we have been successful to achieve our mission and I want to express my gratitude to the CIP team, and not least the Senior Partners, for believing in COP throughout our journey. There is more work to be done and I know we will have great success ahead.” 

Pedersen has more than 20 years of experience leading offshore wind and large energy infrastructure projects across global markets. As CEO of COP’s business in the United States from 2017 to 2023, he helped lead the development of Vineyard Wind, the first commercial-scale offshore wind project in the US, and oversaw a 6 GW offshore wind portfolio across the Americas. Together with CIP, COP co-founded CIP Molecule Technologies in 2024 where Pedersen has served and will continue to serve as CEO while taking on his new duties as CEO of COP. 

Pedersen stated: “It is a privilege to return to COP and build on the remarkable foundation Henrik and our team have built over the last few years. While much has evolved since I left in 2024, COP today is stronger than ever and that is due to our people, our culture, our entrepreneurial spirit, and our commitment to delivering outstanding results for our projects and partners. 

As CEO of COP and CIP Molecule Technologies, I am committed to carrying forward the mission of both organisations, working closely together with our partners at CIP, our stakeholders around the world, and all of our colleagues to make a lasting impact for the global energy transition.” 

 

About Copenhagen Offshore Partners   

Copenhagen Offshore Partners (COP) is a world leader in offshore wind project origination, development, construction, and operations. With a 50+ GW project portfolio spanning Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Americas, COP is unlocking the full potential of offshore wind to power the world. An industry pioneer, COP delivers projects safely and sustainably in both new and established markets while advancing new opportunities through flexible offtake offerings, partnerships, and supply chain solutions. COP is a proudly independent company owned by its management.