Sheffield, England – July 1, 2020 – Exawatt, a provider of strategic consulting and market analysis in sectors related to decarbonisation through electrification, is pleased to announce the appointment of John Walker as its Chairman, effective immediately. 

John has more than 30 years of leadership experience in the solar PV, semiconductor and mining industries. Most recently he served as CEO of The Quartz Corp (TQC), a mining and processing company that supplies the world’s highest-purity quartz to the solar PV, semiconductor and fibreoptic markets. John was a key player in driving TQC’s business development in the solar PV and semiconductor markets, growing the company from a new entrant to the second-largest player in the high-purity quartz market. 

Prior to helping found TQC in 2011, John served as Vice President and General Manager of Imerys North American Ceramics, where he led the organisation through the 2008/2009 financial crisis and established a strategic roadmap for the company. His experience will further strengthen Exawatt’s strategy as it continues to expand from its origins in solar PV, having added power electronics, electric vehicles, high-purity quartz and lithium-ion batteries to its research and strategic consulting portfolio.

“We are thrilled that John has joined Exawatt as Chairman,” said Exawatt CEO Simon Price. “John’s deep experience, passion and clear thinking will be huge assets as we further our plan to be the leading provider of technology forecasting, market analysis and strategic consulting in PV, EVs, power electronics, high-purity quartz and lithium-ion batteries.”

“I’m very excited to be joining Exawatt as Chairman,” said Walker. “During my time at TQC, we greatly valued Exawatt’s insights and advice as we developed our strategy in PV. Exawatt has now successfully applied its research methodologies to other high-growth sectors related to decarbonisation through electrification and is ready for the next stage of its development. By working closely with Simon and his team to set and implement strategic objectives, I look forward to helping Exawatt accelerate the transition to an electrified, low-carbon future.”