NextBillion - A WDI Publication

SolarAid today announced that its Chief Executive Officer, John Keane, has decided to step down from his role in June

Keane has been with SolarAid for more than two decades, including serving as CEO since 2017. During this time, he has played a central role in shaping the organisation’s direction and impact, helping to establish it as a leading organisation in the global energy access sector.

Under Keane’s leadership, SolarAid has strengthened its programmes, partnerships, and fundraising, achieving its strongest fundraising year to date and building a broad and resilient funding base. The organisation has delivered high-impact initiatives that have expanded access to clean electricity for underserved communities, including pioneering work in sub-Saharan Africa, advancing energy-as-a-service models, and supporting sector-wide progress on repair and sustainability.

John Keane, “After more than 20 years with SolarAid, I feel this is the right moment for me to step down as CEO. It has been the privilege of my professional life to work alongside such a dedicated team and partners committed to expanding energy access. Together with colleagues, partners and supporters, I have had the opportunity to help build and shape SolarAid into what it is today, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved. I leave knowing that the organisation is in a strong position for the future.

I remain as committed and passionate as ever to tackling poverty and strengthening resilience to the climate crisis in vulnerable communities, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to this work in the next chapter.”

The Board expressed its sincere appreciation for Keane’s longstanding leadership and contribution to the organisation’s success.

Lionel T. Marumahoko, Chair of the Board, “John has played a central role in building SolarAid into one of the leading organisations in the global energy access sector. He led the design and launch of SunnyMoney earliest solar programmes in Africa; led the growth of SolarAid as a respected social enterprise; and, as CEO since 2017, guided SolarAid through a period of strategic transformation, launching game changing, high impact, projects and initiatives designed to fast track progress towards achieving sustained universal energy access, strengthening its programmes, partnerships and fundraising. The Board wishes him every success with the next part of his career.”

SolarAid remains focused on delivering its mission and building on its current momentum to advance universal energy access.

Photo courtesy of Karsten Würth.