Bonnar is managing director of Repsol Nuevas Energias UK, the renewables arm of a global energy company. He has had a long career in the North Sea oil and gas sector and was involved in developing Scotland’s first offshore wind turbine.
Sainsbury is director of Natural Power and was this month awarded an OBE for services to the renewables sector.
Bonnar said: “The organisation has never been more relevant with a key role to play in representing the industry in reforms of the electricity market, grid charging and the planning system.
“My priority is to make sure that we work with government to create the conditions that we need to achieve our shared ambitions for our exciting new industry.”
Renewables specialist Patricia Hawthorn, of law firm Shepherd and Wedderburn, has been appointed vice-chair of the industry body. She also co-chairs the Scottish Renewables Offshore Wind Strategy Group and sits on the Executive Committee of Environmental Services Association in Scotland.