Thin-film solar PV manufacturer Odersun has appointed former NXP Semiconductors exec Hein van der Zeeuw as its new CEO. Van der Zeeuw has 26 years of experience in the electronic components and semiconductor industry and is a former member of the board of management of Philips spin-out NXP, which he resigned from in July, 2008 after serving as executive VP of operations.
Hein van der Zeeuw will lead Odersun’s growth phase, the company says. His appointment follows several milestones achieved in recent years, including proof-of-concept of the technology followed by the installation of the German company’s first commercial, roll-to-roll copper-indium-(di)sulphide-on-copper-tape (CISCuT) TFPV SunOne production line in Frankfurt (Oder).
The company also raised €61 million in equity financing to build 30-MW solar cell and module production facilities, SunTwo, in Fürstenwalde/Spree, Brandenburg, which are scheduled to ramp this year.
“The appointment of Hein van der Zeeuw is the beginning of an exciting new era, enabling us to strategically grow the company and to set the stage for long-term success,” states George Powlick, the firm’s chairman. “Dr. van der Zeeuw’s operating experience and strategic insights, combined with Odersun’s exceptional technology and workforce, will allow us to drive Odersun to a market leadership position.”
“Odersun is very well-positioned to be a dominant player in the emerging and fast-growing building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) market,” says van der Zeeuw. “I’m looking forward to working with Odersun’s very high skilled and knowledgeable team. The company has a clear vision and possesses innovative technology. I’m impressed with its drive and determination to outperform competing technologies.”
Van der Zeeuw succeeds Ramin Lavae Mokhtari, who was instrumental in developing Odersun from a research institute to a commercial enterprise. Mokhtari will leave Odersun at the end of January but remains connected as shareholder and consultant to the company.
