Rome-based Studio Rinnovabili, our sister company, has appointed Iva Lubenov as Head of Construction - strengthening its construction management capabilities and supporting plans for continued growth across the European renewable energy market.
Iva brings extensive experience in the renewable energy sector, with a particular focus on project delivery and construction contract management. She joins Studio Rinnovabili this month following more than 18 years with Nordex Italia, where she held a senior project management role and managed complex wind energy projects across Italy, other European and wider international markets, including turnkey arrangements incorporating balance of plant and grid connection elements.
Andrea Bartolazzi, Director at Studio Rinnovabili, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Iva to the team at an important time for both the business and the wider Italian renewable energy market. We’ve built an excellent track record here, and Iva’s extensive experience in construction management, combined with her knowledge of the Italian market and strong client and stakeholder relationships, extends our range of services, helping us build on that foundation and further develop our construction offering, including full owner’s engineer services.
“Importantly, Iva’s appointment will be supported by the wider Natural Power business, providing our Italian team with access to the experience and expertise of our European construction management team and our broader track record of delivering complex renewable energy projects across different markets. This combination of strong local knowledge and international construction expertise puts us in a strong position to support clients’ projects in Italy and to realise the significant growth potential we see in the market.
“Iva will play an important role in developing our construction pipeline, strengthening relationships with clients and partners, and building on the capabilities and reputation Studio Rinnovabili has established in Italy.”
During her career, Iva has worked across numerous projects representing significant investment values and a combined installed capacity of circa 2.2GW. Her experience includes management of electrical and civil balance of plant subcontractors, transportation, cranes and installation services, as well as the leadership of multicultural and multidisciplinary teams. She has also worked closely with major international renewable energy companies and utilities.
Iva holds an MSc in Industrial Engineering, Management and Marketing and a further MSc in Engineering from Tor Vergata University of Rome. She is a member of Rome’s Engineering Association and has undertaken specialist training in health and safety, reliability management, European procurement law and leadership.
Ralph Spernagel, Construction Director at Natural Power, added: “We are delighted to welcome Iva to the Studio Rinnovabili business. This appointment is an important step in Natural Power’s strategy to support our clients and expand construction management services across Europe.
“Through our colleagues at Studio Rinnovabili, we combine our international technical expertise and experience across the renewable energy project lifecycle with strong local knowledge and established capability in the Italian market. Iva’s appointment will strengthen this offering, while supporting the development of new client relationships and opportunities for construction management services in Italy.”
Iva is based in Rome and is a dual Italian and Bulgarian national, with extensive experience working across international renewable energy projects. She is fluent in Italian and English and has worked throughout her career in multicultural and multinational project environments.
Iva Lubenov, Head of Construction at Studio Rinnovabili, said: “Having spent much of my career delivering complex renewable energy projects and working with international clients and multidisciplinary teams, I’m looking forward to bringing that experience to a business with strong ambitions for growth in Italy. Studio Rinnovabili is a well-established service provider to the Italian renewables market, and I am excited about the opportunity to develop the business further in the pre-construction and construction phases across all key technologies, including onshore wind, PV and BESS.
“The Italian renewable energy market has significant potential, and I’m particularly excited about developing new relationships and opportunities while supporting clients through the challenges of delivering projects successfully.”
This appointment forms part of Natural Power’s wider strategy to strengthen its presence across key European renewable energy markets and provide clients with greater access to local expertise and delivery capability.