Garrad replaces Arthouros Zervos who announced he was stepping down from the role last month after 12 years in the role.
The election of Garrad follows the appointment of former Danish civil servant Thomas Becker as EWEA chief executive. Becker formally takes up the position in April.
In a statement, Garrad said: "I believe that the wind industry needs to respond urgently to the market conditions that face us now to ensure that we are positioned to become the major provider of Europe's energy early in the 21st century. I am honoured by my election and humbled by the task ahead."
