Christopher O'Brien named new head of market development and government relations for North America
Truebbach (CH)/Washington DC, March 10, 2008 - Oerlikon Solar is strengthening its activities in the North American solar market by appointing Chris O'Brien, an experienced solar industry executive, to the new position as Head of Market Development and Government Relations, North America. This position was created to capitalize on the rapidly developing solar market in North America. "With the addition of Chris O'Brien to our senior management team we take the next step to grow and secure our North American footprint", says Jeannine Sargent, CEO Oerlikon Solar.
In his new role Chris O'Brien brings significant solar industry experience and will continue to play leading roles within industry organizations representing Oerlikon Solar. In addition to leading industrial and government relations activities, Mr. O'Brien will work closely with the Oerlikon Solar sales and business teams to develop market penetration strategies and end-customer value propositions targeted at the North American market. "I am thrilled to be part of Oerlikon Solar's exciting growth plans. I am convinced Oerlikon has great technology, a talented leadership team and a winning strategy to succeed in the fastest-growing segment of the solar PV industry", says O'Brien.
Recognized industry expert
O'Brien is an experienced solar industry executive. With over 20 years of experience with solar and other energy technologies, he has demonstrated consistent leadership in both business strategy and government affairs with leading PV industry companies. Before joining Oerlikon Solar Chris O'Brien was Vice President, Strategy and Government Relations for Sharp Solar and has also served as the Chairman of the Board of the Solar Energy Industries Association since 2003. He holds two engineering degrees from Dartmouth College and an MBA degree from Stanford University. Chris will be based in Washington DC.
