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Canadian Solar Contractor Announces New CEO

SkyFire Energy CEO & Founder Stepping Down After 23 Years, Passing On The Baton To His Namesake

Anu Bhambhani
  • SkyFire Energy says David Kelly will step down as the CEO of the Canadian company
  • He will be replaced by Davis Vonesch who partnered Kelly in 2008 to launch SkyFire
  • Kelly will continue as the founder and transition away from a full-time role by 2024-end

Western Canada's solar contractor for residential, commercial and utility scale projects, SkyFire Energy has announced leadership transition with its CEO and Founder David Kelly stepping down from his role as the CEO after leading the company for 23 years. He is being replaced by David Vonesch who has been working with Kelly since 2007.

Having installed a 600 W solar PV system on his home in 2001, Kelly established solar installation business as Sedmek Inc. Later, along with Tim Schulhauser and David Vonesch partnered him in launching SkyFire Energy in 2008.

Since then, Kelly has served on the board of the national solar industry association Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) 4 times. The industry body now exists as the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) (see Canada Gets Renewable Energy Association).

Kelly will stay on board in his new role of a Founder as he transitions away from a full-time role by the end of 2024, and towards retirement within the next few years, informed the company.

Vonesch is a professional engineer who the management credits with ensuring client satisfaction and environmental stewardship.

"I am committed to advancing our mission to relentlessly lead the solar industry to benefit our community and future generations.  As a Certified B Corporation, SkyFire will continue to innovate and lead the solar industry by putting our clients, employees and the planet first," stated Vonesch.