We’re excited this week to announce the appointment of energy industry heavyweight, Jerry Stokes to the SEC board.
In January 2016, he assumed the role of Executive Chairman at the SEC Group, taking the reins from co-founder and outgoing chairwoman, Heather Harper.
Harper has now assumed the role of Group President from where she will continue to participate in guiding the future direction of the SEC group of companies. Her contributions over the years have been far reaching and significant. Heather formed SEC in partnership with her late husband Brian in the early eighties and took the helm after his sudden passing in 2014.
In a comment to the media on the appointment of Jerry Stokes, Heather shared that she was thrilled to have Jerry on board, and looks forward to the contribution his wealth of experience will have on enriching the SEC brand and in growing the business globally.
STOKES A PROVEN STRATEGIC LEADER
While he’ll be a new voice at the table, his energy comes grounded in a long background with the SEC family. Jerry first met Brian and Heather Harper 25 years ago and his career in renewable energy has seen his path cross with the company many times since then.
In recent years Jerry has held a range of high level roles, including CEO at Innotech Solar in Germany, and President at Suntech Power International in Switzerland. His experience as a Director of the European Photovoltaic Industry Association provides further perspective that SEC is pleased to be utilising.
When asked for comment on the appointment, Jerry said; “I’m excited to be working with a brand so highly regarded by its partners for performance, reliability and economic lifetime cost.” Jerry plans to leverage the company’s forty year reputation for quality in a number of ways.
THE FORMATION OF A FORMIDABLE GLOBAL TEAM
Jerry’s focus will be threefold over the next two years; to improve energy access and reliability through combining storage with solar PV and other renewables. To reduce the reliance on diesel generators in commercial applications and finally, to incorporate storage into existing energy and transmission networks. This will enable higher penetration of intermittent renewable energy sources into the energy mix.
With a background in competitive sports, Jerry is a confident leader, applying an inclusive, hands on approach.Though the Chairman’s role will see him based in the UK, Jerry will travel often and says he’s looking to attract more high level players and partners to join the SEC global team.
“As a company that is expanding rapidly in terms of product range, geographically and markets served, I am especially keen to draw upon external expertise that will enable us to determine strategies for success and which will complement the significant expertise and talent already existing within our organisation.”
SEC couldn’t be more optimistic to have Jerry Stokes on board. The Energy Storage industry is in the midst of unprecedented growth and we’re confident our strategies are aligned with mutual success for both the company, its strong existing client base, and as it reaches out to bring new partners on board.