Manufacturer of thin-film photovoltaic modules Abound Solar has named Thomas Tiller as CEO. Having served Polaris Industries as CEO for nine years, he will officially take up his position on January 18, 2010. Doug Schatz, current interim CEO for the company, will then become chairman of the board.
“In the last year, Abound Solar has reached several key milestones, including commercial production of modules and achieving product certification,” said Schatz. “With Tom’s strong track record of delivering outstanding results – both at Polaris and General Electric – the Abound Solar board is confident he is the best person to capitalize on that progress and build the next leading solar module manufacturer.”
Tiller noted, “I am very excited and thankful to be given the opportunity to lead a company at the cutting edge of solar energy innovation. Abound is uniquely positioned to leverage its proprietary manufacturing technology in reducing the cost of solar power, and I look forward to playing a significant role in the company’s continued growth.”
While employed at Polaris, a manufacturer of outdoor recreational vehicles, Tiller oversaw the introduction of over 170 new products. Prior to Polaris, Tiller worked at General Electric for 15 years, moving up from a career in the aerospace sector to become vice president of manufacturing at GE Appliances. He ended his GE career as general manager of GE Silicones. Tiller has earned a BS from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, an MS from the University of Vermont, and an MBA from the Harvard Business School.
