Green Jobs: Agassi Really Out at Better Place, Plus Suntech, Boston-Power, Voltaix, Centrotherm

The Solar C-level shuffle continues at Suntech and centrotherm.

Eric Wesoff October 11, 2012

Eric Wesoff

Editor-at-Large
Greentech Media

Eric Wesoff is Editor-at-Large at Greentech Media. Prior to joining GTM, Eric Wesoff founded Sage Marketing Partners in 2000 to provide sales and marketing-consulting services to venture-capital firms and their portfolio companies in the alternative energy and telecommunications sectors. Mr. Wesoff has become a well-known, respected authority and speaker in these fields.

His expertise covers solar power, fuel cells, biofuels and advanced batteries. His strengths are in market research and analysis, business development and due diligence for investors. He frequently consults for energy startups and Silicon Valley's premier venture capitalists.

A few weeks ago, Better Place founder Shai Agassi stepped down as CEO of the electric vehicle battery swapping firm Better Place. He remained on the board. Now, according to reports from the Associated Press, Agassi has left the board of directors. AP quoted a spokesperson saying the firm is now seeking additional financing, but could not confirm reports of layoffs.

Suntech's recently installed interim CFO, Anlin Ting-Mason, stepped down due to personal reasons, according to an SEC document. David King, the current CEO, will temporarily assume the position of CFO. King had been CFO of Suntech prior to founder Dr. Shi's departure from that position. Suntech also named E.L. “Mick” McDaniel as Managing Director for Suntech America. McDaniel was formerly Director of Performance Services for First Solar’s EPC division.

PV equipment supplier centrotherm photovoltaics continues to make wholesale changes in its management. CTO Peter Fath is leaving his role, as is CEO Robert Hartung. Jan von Schuckmann, previously chief restructuring officer, has been appointed CEO.

On-Ramp Wireless added Scott Foster VP of Smart Grid Sales. Foster was previously with Sensus USA Inc., Cooper Power Systems, and Southern California Edison.

Boston-Power, a lithium-ion battery manufacturer based in China, announced that Founder Dr. Christina Lampe-Onnerud has resigned from the Board of Directors. Tony Shen is now Boston-Power's CFO, and Dr. Rick Chamberlain has now emerged as Boston-Power’s CTO.

Voltaix, a provider of semiconductor and solar materials such as Germane, named Matthew D. Stephens to the post of Executive VP, Sales & Marketing. Stephens remains as CTO, as well.