Solar energy company hires Derry Newman to takeover from Jeremy Leggett, who will continue his role as chairman

Solar energy company Solarcentury has appointed a new chief executive officer. Derry Newman, former managing director of Sony UK, will replace Jeremy Leggett in the role.

Leggett founded Solarcentury in 1999 and has acted as both CEO and chairman for the past eight years. He will now concentrate on strategic planning and further growth in his role as chairman.

He said: “A dual CEO/chairman role is too broad for a company that is expanding as rapidly as Solarcentury.”

Newly appointed Derry Newman added: “By splitting the leadership in this way, we will maximise our chances of delivering a world-class business that can achieve the vision shared by the wider Solarcentury team and its investors.”