Oxford PV Announces CEO Retirement, Appoints New CEO

Oxford PV announcesd that Frank Averdung has retired and has stepped down from his role as CEO and board member. The company also announces its Board of Directors has selected David Ward, a long-time board director/observer, as its new CEO and a member of the board.

“On behalf of the Board of Oxford PV, I would like to express our thanks to Frank for his seven and a half years of service,” said Christian Langen, chairman of the Board. “Under Frank’s leadership, Oxford PV has progressed from an R&D organization to a recognized technology leader on the cusp of industrial production and commercialization.

“With the acquisition of our Brandenburg factory and the addition of an experienced engineering and production team, Frank has helped to transform the company,” Langen added. “His leadership has earned him the respect of our employees, partners, and shareholders. We are grateful for his tremendous contribution.”

“I am honored to have served Oxford PV for the past seven and a half years,” said Averdung. “During this time, we have achieved a great deal together, and we have pulled through many challenges as a team too. I am incredibly proud of our employees for their unwavering commitment. With the strength of our people and values and David at the helm, I could not be more excited about what’s next for the company.”

“The Board and I are delighted to announce David’s appointment as Oxford PV’s new CEO,” Langen noted. “In the time that we have known him, David has shown a strategic acumen with a pragmatic, action-oriented attitude. He is a seasoned leader and is the right person to steer our company through commercialisation, serial production, and well into our years of growth ahead.”

Ward has a long history with Oxford PV. He knows the company and its key people from its earliest days, having served as a board director or observer since 2011. Prior to becoming Oxford PV’s CEO, Ward successfully led as the CEO of Adaptive Surface Technologies, a US-based materials company, from R&D to commercialization and production for five years. 

“I am privileged and excited by the opportunity to lead Oxford PV,” said Ward. “Thanks to Frank’s leadership, Oxford PV is on firm foundations to realize its ambition to make perovskite solar PV mainstream. Frank and my existing relationship, over our years around the Oxford PV board table, is also making the transition process very smooth.  I look forward to building on our success with our incredible people and with our committed customers.”