Canadian Solar’s founder on medical leave, appoints acting CEO

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
Canadian Solar said that Dr. Qu was making steady progress after the accident, which occurred earlier in May, 2019. However, the company noted that it was unsure how long the recuperation period would be at this time. Image: Canadian Solar

‘Solar Module Super League’ (SMSL) member, Canadian Solar has appointed an acting CEO, due to its founder, Dr. Shawn Qu recuperating in a hospital after being injured in an accident.

Canadian Solar said that Dr. Qu was making steady progress after the accident, which occurred earlier in May 2019. However, the company noted that it was unsure how long his recovery would take at this point in time. 

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

Yan Zhuang, Canadian Solar’s senior vice president, chief commercial officer and president of Modules and System Solutions Business, has been appointed as acting CEO, while continuing in his current position, according to the company.
 
Dr. Qu said in a statement: “During my absence, I will continue to be involved in all major decisions affecting the company. I am fortunate to have assembled a strong senior management team over the past 10 years.”

“I have known Yan for 30 years,” Dr. Qu continued. “In 2006, he became a director of Canadian Solar. In 2009, he resigned as a director and joined the company as vice president of Global Sales and Marketing and was later promoted to chief commercial officer and president of the MSS Business.”

“Over the past 10 years, Yan has helped build a world-class global sales team for the company,” Dr. Qu added. “I am confident that he will provide the day-to-day leadership needed during my absence.”

The news comes ahead of the company releasing Q1 2019 financial results and earnings call with financial analysts, scheduled for today. 

Read Next

June 13, 2025
Indian solar developer Solarium Green Energy has planned to build a 1GW module manufacturing plant in the western Indian state of Gujarat.
June 12, 2025
Waaree Solar Americas will supply 599MW of solar modules supply agreement to an undisclosed US-based independent power producer (IPP).
June 11, 2025
Lab-tested solar module performance has improved over the last year, according to data from US-based technical advisory firm RETC.
Premium
June 9, 2025
N-type polysilicon prices have dropped to RMB34,000/ton as the project installation rush ends, putting cost pressure on the industrial chain.
June 9, 2025
Saatvik Solar, a unit of Saatvik Green Energy Limited (SGEL), is building a 4.8GW solar cell and 4GW module manufacturing facility in Ganjam district of Odisha.
June 9, 2025
Growing political headwinds threaten to dent US solar manufacturing and project deployment, despite a strong start to 2025.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
June 17, 2025
Napa, USA
Upcoming Webinars
June 30, 2025
10am PST / 6pm BST
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
July 2, 2025
Bangkok, Thailand