Wave energy company names new CEO

Pennington-based wave energy technology company Ocean Power Technologies Inc. announced Monday that it has named a new CEO and president, effective Jan. 20.George H. Kirby has more than 22 years of experience in the energy and infrastructure sector, Ocean Power said in a news release. Most recently, he was senior vice president for the energy business unit at AECOM Technology Corporation.

“George has a broad wealth of experience in the energy sector and a proven track record in the growth of operating businesses,” Ocean Power Chairman Terence J. Cryan said in a prepared statement. “We believe his leadership skills will be well-applied in OPT’s efforts to capitalize on the growing market for off-shore data collection and transmission that require off-grid power production at smaller scales. The board was very deliberate in its search process to find a candidate with the right experience and know-how to advance OPT’s wave energy technology to generate reliable, clean and environmentally beneficial electricity.”

Kirby will take over for interim CEO David L. Keller, the company said. Kirby will also join the board of directors, while Keller will remain in his role on the board.

“Mr. Keller did an outstanding job overcoming various obstacles and laying the groundwork for OPT to succeed under Mr. Kirby’s leadership going forward,” Cryan said. “On behalf of the entire board, I want to personally thank David for his dedication and hard work over the past six months.”

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