Frank Zhu is an experienced executive with nearly 20 years in the solar and renewable energy industries across multiple continents. He combines extensive expertise in building and operating solar panel manufacturing operations—particularly within startup environments—with a strong background in solar module sales. In addition, Frank has extensive experience managing and optimizing the solar supply chain and a proven history of developing and executing large-scale solar projects. His skillset also spans business development, mergers and acquisitions for U.S. solar manufacturing companies, structural financing, Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) management, and the operation of utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) projects. Over the past decade, he has successfully overseen the development of solar projects and sales of solar modules exceeding 20 gigawatts (GW) globally.

After moving to the United States in the 1990s and becoming a U.S. citizen, Frank demonstrated a profound commitment to the renewable energy sector. His unwavering belief in the mission of Illuminate USA, coupled with the promising opportunities presented by Central Ohio, led him to relocate his family from the California Bay Area and raise his children in Columbus.

Under Frank’s leadership, Illuminate USA operates as the largest single-site solar panel manufacturer in North America. Focused on innovation, quality and domestic production, Illuminate USA has a state-of-the-art, 1.1-million-square-foot facility in Pataskala, Ohio, and produces high-efficiency solar panels to meet the growing demand for American-assembled technology. With a local workforce of over 1,500 skilled professionals, the company is dedicated to delivering reliable, high-quality products that power communities across the nation.

Prior to his role at Illuminate USA, Frank achieved an impressive career trajectory at Golden Concord Group Limited (GCL). He held the positions of President and CEO at GCL Solar Energy, Inc., and Executive President at GCL New Energy, Inc. Before his tenure at GCL, he served as both the Vice President of Hanergy Holding Group, a multinational hydro and solar company in Hong Kong, and as the CEO for Hanergy’s Asia Pacific region.

Our CFO is a global finance executive with an extensive track record of working with investors to lead and transform businesses to deliver shareholder value. A hands-on problem solver, Kurt prides himself on his ability to drive a culture of financial ownership throughout organizations.  He brings a wealth of experience managing global businesses to achieve sustainable, profitable growth. Kurt is a long-time resident of Central Ohio going back to his studies at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business, where he earned both an undergraduate degree in accounting and MBA. Prior to joining Illuminate USA, Kurt spent more than two decades at Hexion, based in Columbus. He held numerous leadership roles in financial management, business development, mergers and acquisitions and shared services. In his time with Hexion, he worked with various ownership groups including KKR, Apollo and American Securities. Kurt has held oversight roles for several international joint ventures and business expansions.

Brittany brings to Illuminate USA nearly 20 years of human resources, talent and culture leadership in dynamic, multicultural and global organizations. A future forward and strategic thinker with a passion for people and business innovation, Brittany works to enable not only high-performing people and teams, but a culture built on the values of authenticity, trust, and continuous growth. Her expertise includes human business partnerships, leadership development, culture and engagement, talent acquisition, talent management, organization design and executive coaching.

Brittany is a lifelong resident of Central Ohio where she and her husband are now raising their children. She is a proud Buckeye with a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University. Brittany is also a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) which requires the completion of a multi-year global executive training program.

The economic impact of the facility is already being felt in the region with Ohio-made air compressors powering the production lines, high turnout at hiring events and expanded career pathways at local schools.