EXECUTIVE ROUND-UP: REC Solar, CubicPV and Nextracker add industry veterans to management

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
Nextracker has appointed Julie Blunden and Howard Wenger to its board of directors. Image: PV Tech

Leading companies in the US solar industry have made several senior appointments to strengthen their business, including solar developer REC Solar, solar manufacturer CubicPV and solar tracker manufacturer Nextracker.

REC Solar appoints executive chairman

US solar developer REC Solar has appointed Paul Walker as its executive chairman. The company said Walker’s leadership experience in renewables will help support REC Solar’s “commitment to growing its distributed solar and storage portfolio in a continuously evolving market”.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Previously, Walker was CEO of US solar developer ForeFront Power, where he oversaw the company’s development strategy and was responsible for its operational performance. He has also served as a senior advisor to US community solar developer Lightstar Renewables, and was responsible for supporting the company’s community solar initiatives in multiple states.

Lawrence Denney, president of REC Solar, said the appointment can help the company accelerate the deployment of on-site solar and storage projects while developing multiple community solar projects in new markets.

CubicPV names new CFO

US solar manufacturer CubicPV has named Kris McBride as its new chief financial officer.

In his new position, McBride will lead the company’s financial strategy and guide the execution of its business plan. He will make his first speaking appearance today, 4 January, discussing Cubic PV’s US manufacturing progress at a conference on energy and utilities hosted by Goldman Sachs Energy.

Speaking of his new position, McBride said he hoped to help CubicPV re-shore the domestic solar industry and develop new solar innovation, in addition to “participating in the US manufacturing renaissance and filling a critical supply chain gap for customers”.

Nextracker adds two board of directors

US solar tracker manufacturer Nextracker has added Julie Blunden and Howard Wenger to its board of directors.

The company described Blunden as an “accomplished executive leader and strategic advisor”, currently serving on the board of four organisations in the energy sector. Meanwhile, Wenger has served as president of Nextracker since February 2022, formerly holding senior roles at PV module producer Solaria Corporation, US domestic solar company SunPower and PowerLight.

Dan Shugar, Nextracker founder and CEO, said the appointment of Blunden and Wenger will bring expertise in the energy sector and global commercial and operations backgrounds to the company.

The news follows Nextracker’s split from electronics firm Flex after operating under the Singaporean firm for eight years.

13 October 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
PV Tech has been running an annual PV CellTech Conference since 2016. PV CellTech USA, on 13-14 October 2026 is our fourth PV CellTech conference dedicated to solar manufacturing in the USA. From polysilicon, wafers, ingots, cells and modules, to critical component suppliers including glass and frames, the event connects every stage of the value chain under one roof. PV CellTech USA also brings together investors, innovators, manufacturers and industry stakeholders to collaborate and strengthen domestic solar manufacturing across the United States.

Read Next

July 10, 2026
The so-called “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBBA) has cost the US US$68.2 billion in capital investments into clean energy projects, according to analysis from business advocacy group E2.
July 10, 2026
Intertek CEA explores how companies have to navigate US solar PV procurement contracts amidst tariffs and customs risks.
July 8, 2026
Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) has brought 525MW of solar capacity online in Oklahoma, with a further 200MW under construction.
July 7, 2026
US solar cell manufacturer ES Foundry has completed the expansion of a 2GW solar cell production line at its Greenwood, South Carolina facility.
July 7, 2026
Polysilicon producer United Solar has reached financial close on a US$50 million equity investment from the World Bank Group's International Finance Corporation (IFC) for its polysilicon facility in Oman.
July 7, 2026
Multinational solar manufacturer Canadian Solar has appointed a new CEO at its solar and energy storage project development subsidiary, Recurrent Energy.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
November 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
November 24, 2026
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
April 20, 2027
Istanbul, Türkiye