SMA Australia appoints John Alexander as VP of Large Scale

SMA Australia has appointed John Alexander as Vice President of its Large Scale segment. Alexander brings over 35 years of experience in the energy sector to his new role, with previous positions including Chief Operating Officer at 5B, an Australian large-scale solar company, and key leadership roles at Cleanpeak Energy and Pangaea Resources.

In his role as VP of Large Scale Australia, Alexander will focus on enhancing SMA’s market presence through the deployment of advanced grid-forming inverters. These inverters will enable Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) operators to utilise multi-purpose functionality, a measure aimed at making them more competitive and suitable for various grid applications. This initiative is also expected to contribute to maintaining a stable power grid while advancing towards net zero emissions.

“For more than 40 years SMA has been a pioneer of innovation in the renewable energy sector,” said Alexander. "I’m honoured to play a part in that journey by driving growth in the large-scale sector in the ANZ market and working with the team to continue their goal of making renewable energy as accessible as possible." He expressed excitement about joining SMA Australia’s dynamic team and contributing to its mission of revolutionising the renewable energy landscape.

Doris Spielthenner, Managing Director of SMA Australia, affirmed that Alexander is a suitable choice for leading the large-scale division. “Given his depth of experience and industry knowledge, we know that John will be a perfect fit for our leadership team. The large-scale division is essential to driving growth and innovation throughout the sector, and John’s impressive track record in the renewable energy industry makes him the perfect candidate for the job,” Spielthenner stated.

Alexander holds a Bachelor’s degree in Rural Science and a Postgraduate degree in Business Management, Econometrics, Marketing, and Corporate Law. His career began in project finance, culminating in his role as Australian Head of Utilities for NM Rothschild. This background gives him a comprehensive understanding of both corporate and funding landscapes.

SMA continues to commit to innovation as it aims to set the standard for the global energy supply of tomorrow. With the addition of John Alexander, SMA Australia's leadership team gains a seasoned professional focused on transforming the renewable energy sector. The company's goal is to create a more sustainable future through advanced technological solutions and strategic growth in the large-scale market segment.