Solar Millennium names new CEO

Professor Utz Claassen has been appointed CEO of Solar Millennium. The decision was reached following a meeting of the supervisory board held earlier this month. Claassen will begin in the new role on the first of January

Claasen’s new position has arisen amidst the company’s new ventures in solar thermal power. The organization marks the newly made appointment as indicative of the stage of the company’s growth.

"Appointment of Claassen most positively reflects the change in social values and the paradigm shift towards preserving resources and protecting the climate," said Supervisory Board Chairman Helmut Pflaumer [pictured].

As CEO, Cla a ssen will take charge of a number of responsibilities, corporate investment management, legal affairs and public relations being only a few among them. Additional responsibilities to be allotted will be announced when he begins in January

“I am very much looking forward to being part of a highly motivated team that is creating the future world of energy for the benefit of the climate, environment, customers, investors and shareholders," said Claassen.

Pflaumer explained that Claassen was chosen for his previous work in the field, saying, "His global background, outstanding management skills and excellent international reputation as well as his extensive experience in strategy development and financial market issues and his renowned expertise in the energy sector were the decisive factors in our choice.”

Claassen comes to his new position following work as a consultant an d  author. He was also CEO of EnBW  (Energie Baden-Württemberg)  from 2003 to 2007. Prior to this, he worked as CEO for Sartorius, a supplier of laboratory and process technology for biotechnology and mechatronics. Claassen earned a doctorate in Hanover and  is  both an honorary professor for the Institute for Controlling of the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz University in Hanover and a professor for corporate management, risk management and knowledge management at the GISMA Business School. Claassen is also a member of the Foundation Council of the Georg August University of Göttingen.