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

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

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. 

7 October 2025
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
PV Tech has been running an annual PV CellTech Conference since 2016. PV CellTech USA, on 7-8 October 2025 is our third PV CellTech conference dedicated to the U.S. manufacturing sector. The events in 2023 and 2024 were a sell out success and 2025 will once again gather the key stakeholders from PV manufacturing, equipment/materials, policy-making and strategy, capital equipment investment and all interested downstream channels and third-party entities. The goal is simple: to map out PV manufacturing in the U.S. out to 2030 and beyond.

Read Next

September 17, 2025
Chinese module producer DAS Solar is planning a 5GW manufacturing facility focused on producing high-efficiency back contact cells.
Premium
September 17, 2025
PV CellTech: Martin Pochtaruk, CEO of North American solar module manufacturer Heliene, says US producers must learn to survive without tax incentives.
September 16, 2025
IB Solar is investing INR30 billion (US$340 million) in a 4GW TOPCon solar cell and module manufacturing plant in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh.
September 15, 2025
Vikram Solar has secured a contract to supply 200MW of modules to AB Energia, a domestic solar engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) solutions provider. 
September 11, 2025
US cell manufacturer ES Foundry is proceeding with expansion plans despite a six-month delay due to recent trade and tax credit policy uncertainties.
Premium
September 11, 2025
PV CellTech USA: US cell manufacturer ES Foundry’s CEO Alex Zhu discusses his company's rapid ascent, strategic technology choices and the challenges of operating in a shifting policy environment.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
San Francisco Bay Area, USA