Wednesday, December 17, 2014: Robert Kelly has been appointed as an Independent Director to strengthen the Azure Power’s leadership in the solar industry. While making the grounds stronger, Kelly is expected to further drive the company by bringing in the right expertise on board.
The statement by the company noted that Robert Kelly is one among the most established and respected financial professionals in the solar industry globally. It further said that his association with the company would bring in some of the best international practices to the industry.
He has groomed himself within the industry for more than three decades. Prior to this he had served as chief financial officer of SolarCity Corporation for almost three years, wherein he contributed the financial strategy while raising $4.2 billion, including their IPO, multiple tax equity investments and industry first Solar Securitisation.
He had also implemented the business valuation methodology for rooftop solar, which has now been adopted as the industry benchmark. He had also served as the chief financial officer of Calera Corporation for over two years and as an independent consultant for the retail energy providers and power developers.
Before this, he had worked with Calpine Group for more than a decade at various leadership roles. While commenting up on his appointment with Azure Power, Kelly said, “It’s an honour to join the board of Azure Power. The incredible growth and demand in India’s renewable solar power markets has positioned Azure to become a major energy company. It offers an attractive value proposition for India power costumers by utilizing the best technology with unmatched world-class execution expertise and experience. I look forward to working with the Azure Power board and team, as we embark on this exciting journey and contribute to company’s growth story.”
While Inderpreet Wadhwa, founder & CEO, Azure Power, said, “We are extremely pleased to welcome Bob as a new board member at Azure Power. With an illustrious career under various leadership and strategic roles in the Solar Industry, Bob’s appointment will help Azure continue its fast paced growth, to become the largest solar power provider globally which in turn will help the country achieve its clean energy objectives under the National Solar Mission, JNNSM.”