SMA Solar’s CEO suddenly steps down and plans departure at year-end

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

The long-standing CEO of major PV inverter manufacturer SMA Solar Technology, Pierre-Pascal Urbon has suddenly stepped down from his executive role and plans to leave the company altogether at the end of December, 2018.
 
SMA Solar said that Urbon had requested to resign from the CEO and Management Board positions as well as leave the company at year-end. Urbon had been a member of the Management Board since 2006 and CEO since 2011.

SMA Solar did not say why Urbon was stepping down and leaving the company. 

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

The company recently revised down its full-year revenue and profit guidance, blaming the impact of China’s 531 New Deal on project demand and falling product prices, due to overcapacity. The company was also planning a further round of restructuring to counter the change in business conditions.

Overall, SMA Solar’s executive team has been downsized, with Dr.-Ing. Jürgen Reinert replacing Urbon immediately as the new CEO as well as being responsible for Sales and Service in addition to Technology and Operations. Ulrich Hadding will continue to be responsible for Finance, Human Resources and Legal Affairs but will also assume responsibility for Investor Relations.

SMA Solar’s executive team has been downsized, with Dr.-Ing. Jürgen Reinert replacing Urbon immediately as the new CEO as well as being responsible for Sales and Service in addition to Technology and Operations. Image: SMA Solar

Peter Drews, SMA founder and member of the Supervisory Board, adds: “Pierre-Pascal Urbon has played a major role in the successful IPO, the company acquisitions of recent years and the strategic reorientation, thus contributing to SMA's strong strategic and financial position. The SMA founders thank him for his very good performance.”

10 March 2026
Frankfurt, Germany
The conference will 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 out to 2030 and beyond.

Read Next

September 17, 2025
Spanish renewables developer and operator Acciona Energía has commissioned its 412MWp Juna solar PV plant in Kawani village in the western state of Rajasthan. 
September 17, 2025
Struggling Swiss solar manufacturer Meyer Burger has formally entered into a debt moratorium, with the possibility of rescuing the entire group now looking unlikely.
September 17, 2025
Nexamp has secured US$350 million through a long-term financing facility to expand its 6GW utility-scale solar and battery storage pipeline in the US. 
September 17, 2025
Chinese module producer DAS Solar is planning a 5GW manufacturing facility focused on producing high-efficiency back contact cells.
September 17, 2025
QatarEnergy has signed an EPC agreement with Samsung C&T for its 2GW Dukhan project. 
September 16, 2025
Sunotec has launched Sunotec Nordic to spearhead solar and hybrid renewable project development across the Nordic region.

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