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

‘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. 

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. 

Tags: canadian solar, c-si manufacturing, pv modules