Kirsten: passion, integrity and leadership

Kirsten’s journey of passion, integrity, and leadership at Muehlhan Wind Service 

For Kirsten Bank Christensen, our Chief Operating Officer, nothing in her career has been random. Back in the ’90s, she started out in the transportation industry at Bonus/Siemens, where she learned all about transporting wind turbines.

Kirsten worked closely with stevedores and shipping professionals loading ships with wind turbines, unloading them, and handling oversized heavy haul transportation for wind turbines. She gained valuable firsthand knowledge of deliveries by being physically present on vessels and working closely with haulage companies, while also understanding customer expectations — a skill that proved invaluable in her later career. Kirsten explains:

“We knew a lot about how the turbines were handled from the moment they left the factory until they were actually installed on-site”.

Later in her career, Kirsten was introduced to the world of HSEQ, which is a path she decided to pursue in other companies before joining Muehlhan Wind Service.

Robust and smooth global operations

With 9 different business units at MWS and 3,000+ technicians around the world, there are countless operations running, and our customers experience what we stand for through the work we deliver. Kirsten is responsible for ensuring that MWS is robust in the way we execute our operations and how we optimize them.

“It's not our systems that our customers remember us for; they remember us for our performance, the quality of our work, our safety mindset, and the cooperation with our dedicated and qualified people”, says Kirsten.

It’s very clear from the start that Kirsten is a thorough and ambitious leader – and also the type of person who goes all the way to get the best outcome.

“My ambition has always been to do my absolute best, to convert my passion into results, and to energize and elevate the teams and people I work with”, says Kirsten.

People and passion are the biggest reward

When asked about the best parts of her career, Kirsten highlights the people around her who have made a difference:

“Working with many talented, inspiring colleagues and peers from different cultures has been an amazing experience. The greatest gift for me is when I see a colleague with potential, watch their growth, and see how they take up their space in the organization. I think that’s amazing. I have been so lucky to work with several of those people more than once. The way we interact with each other determines if we succeed. We win together, and we lose together”, says Kirsten and continues:

“For me, people are the ‘secret ingredient’. That’s what makes the difference. It’s not only about the goal or the process — it’s about who you take the journey with. The stronger the company culture, the more it fosters organizational resonance and a desire to go above and beyond”.

Failure is a part of growth 

Kirsten recognizes that success and good results are not a linear process; it’s through the bumps and setbacks that we evolve and learn:

“We often think that people climb to the top of their careers without failing, but of course, that’s not how it happens. We need to be more accepting of the fact that failure is a part of growth. As long as we know we’re doing it with the best intentions and for the greater good, then it’s okay. That’s how we learn”.

Real progress happens when we grow together

Kirsten believes in challenging the status quo, breaking boundaries, and going the extra mile:

“I don’t think we should settle for less. At Muehlhan Wind Service, we are fortunate to be surrounded by people who are competent, experienced, innovative, highly skilled, and who bring their passion to the table. That’s what makes it extraordinary; the impact we can have on development. Real progress happens when we grow together and that requires the ability to embrace change, different culture and capabilities. We all bring a special talent and ‘secret ingredient’."

"I also believe that’s why our customers keep coming back to us... They know our capability, our commitment and that we go the extra mile. They can sense that we are truly passionate about what we do. When customers compare two companies with the same capabilities, they also make their choice based on chemistry or something more subjective. They are drawn to passion, to people who truly care. And that passion is contagious — it spreads to others. In reality, I think we are much more biased and subjective than we realize, and that shapes how we act and interact with the world around us”.

Lead with integrity 

When sitting across from Kirsten, it is easy to sense her moral compass, which has served as a personal guideline across different companies:  

“My DNA is deeply rooted in integrity. That’s probably the one thing that gets personal for me — when people don’t behave properly. That’s when you can really clash with me.

Other than that, I am very holistic and find it easy to stay focused on the bigger picture and keep my eye on the ball. So, have I faced obstacles? Of course, plenty. But what is an obstacle? It’s either an opportunity to shed light on different perspectives or a chance to make better decisions in the end. Precisely because we don’t all see things the same way.

In fact, I actually appreciate when we don’t always agree. I think that’s what adds value to our growth as both organisations and individuals. It helps us gain a broader understanding of how things can be done differently. But when it comes to behaving with integrity — that’s something I will not compromise on”, says Kirsten. 

Inspired by quotes from Maersk

Kirsten finds inspiration in all sorts of people and places; from the way other people lead, interact and conduct business. There are two quotes by A.P. Møller - the Danish ship owner and founder of A.P. Moller – Maersk, that particularly stand out in her memory: 

"Intet tab bør ramme os, som kan undgås ved rettidig omhu" – or in English: “No loss should befall us that can be avoided through timely diligence”.

"Den, der har evnen, har pligten" - in English: “With ability comes responsibility”.

“I know they’re both a bit corny, but these quotes have been symbols that have shaped my DNA throughout nearly 30 years in the renewable industry”, Kirsten concludes. 

Kirsten Bank Christensen, CCO 

Shaping the green future together

Kirsten’s journey is a testament to how passion, integrity, and a commitment to (personal) growth can shape, not only a career, but an entire organization. At Muehlhan Wind Service, we believe in pushing boundaries, and growing together as a team.

If you’re looking for a place where people make the difference, we’d love to hear from you.