Solar Millennium names new CEO

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Professor Utz Claassen has been appointed CEO of Solar Millennium. The decision was reached following a meeting of the supervisory board held earlier this month. Claassen will begin in the new role on the first of January

 

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

Claasen’s new position has arisen amidst the company’s new ventures in solar thermal power. The organization marks the newly made appointment as indicative of the stage of the company’s growth.

 

“Appointment of Claassen most positively reflects the change in social values and the paradigm shift towards preserving resources and protecting the climate,” said Supervisory Board Chairman Helmut Pflaumer [pictured].

 

As CEO, Cla a ssen will take charge of a number of responsibilities, corporate investment management, legal affairs and public relations being only a few among them. Additional responsibilities to be allotted will be announced when he begins in January

 

“I am very much looking forward to being part of a highly motivated team that is creating the future world of energy for the benefit of the climate, environment, customers, investors and shareholders,” said Claassen.

 

Pflaumer explained that Claassen was chosen for his previous work in the field, saying, “His global background, outstanding management skills and excellent international reputation as well as his extensive experience in strategy development and financial market issues and his renowned expertise in the energy sector were the decisive factors in our choice.”

Claassen comes to his new position following work as a consultant an d  author. He was also CEO of EnBW  (Energie Baden-Württemberg)  from 2003 to 2007. Prior to this, he worked as CEO for Sartorius, a supplier of laboratory and process technology for biotechnology and mechatronics. Claassen earned a doctorate in Hanover and  is  both an honorary professor for the Institute for Controlling of the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz University in Hanover and a professor for corporate management, risk management and knowledge management at the GISMA Business School. Claassen is also a member of the Foundation Council of the Georg August University of Göttingen.

Read Next

August 13, 2025
A new MIT study has shown how many of the dramatic reductions in PV costs in the past 50 years were the result of innovations originating outside the solar industry.
August 13, 2025
The PV industry’s progress in meeting sustainability goals is patchy, with notable gaps in the end-of-life management of PV products, according to a review by IEA-PVPS.
August 13, 2025
CEA said the US could lose 60GW of planned solar capacity if strict "start of construction" rules come into force.
August 13, 2025
Green Genius has secured €64 million (US$75 million) in finance to support the development of a solar-plus-storage portfolio in Lithuania.
August 13, 2025
ACE Power and Osaka Gas Energy Australia have joined forces to develop the 141MWdc Forbes Solar Farm in Australia.
August 12, 2025
US solar tracker manufacturer Nextracker will supply 1.5GW of its products to a Brazilian solar PV hybrid project portfolio.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
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