Record busting Solarcentury CEO steps down
Founder and Chairman Jeremy Leggett said: “This is sad news for all of us at Solarcentury. Derry Newman is an exceptional leader and manager, who has led this company through a minefield since the credit crunch unfolded and Big Energy blowback began in earnest against the renewables industries. Not only did he lead in keeping us alive, he and the team he moulded broke records and won elite awards as he did it. For myself, I have enjoyed a textbook chairman-CEO relationship with him that has been one of the most satisfying experiences of my vocational life. I and the team will keep the candle for hope that is Solarcentury alive and prospering and build upon all the work Derry has done here.”
Derry Newman said: “I have reached a point where I need more time to spend with my family. I do so having enjoyed the six most thrilling years of my vocational life, with an amazing team of people. My memories are many but I will particularly treasure the work we did installing solar in so many schools and opening a system with Alistair McGowan whilst he was being David Attenborough to 200 teenagers. I am happy to say that it is not a farewell to the Solarcentury – SolarAid community. I hope to lend my experience to Jeremy’s on-going social entrepreneurship, and will do so, details to be announced in due course. Meanwhile, the individual who takes over the helm of this flagship of green industrial revolution has a rare privilege to lead a special company to a greater future, and I wish them every success.”
READ DERRY’S DEPARTURE INTERVIEW IN THE GUARDIAN.
-ENDS-
Press Contact
Charlotte Webster, PR Manager Solarcentury charlotte.webster@solarcentury.com
07990 58337 / 0207 8030148
About Solarcentury
Solarcentury is one of Europe’s fastest growing and most innovative solar photovoltaics (PV) companies. The most experienced solar energy company in the UK, Solarcentury was founded by Chairman Jeremy Leggett in 1998 to design and supply solar energy solutions for the built environment. The organisation has managed the installation of well over 1,000 solar PV turnkey projects. It has helped over 9,000 homes go solar through its supply of systems to housebuilders and through its network of regional associate installers. Solarcentury, nowover 120 staff, is led by CEO Derry Newman and based in London, with staff in the UK, France and Italy. It is the founding company of the schools initiative Solar4Schools and charity for the developing world, SolarAid. In 2008, 2010& 2011, Solarcentury was named the UK’s Fastest Growing Renewable EnergyCompany by UK’s Sunday Times Tech Track 100. In April 2011 it was awarded a Queens Award for Enterprise in innovation.
