AFAM: Hello François et thank you for your time! You are a Supply Chain and Logistics Director at Solar Edge. Could you please tell us more about the company you work for and your position?
François: I am responsible for the Americas supply chain and logistics at Solaredge including forward and post sales logistics. Solaredge is a market leader in inverters, batteries and monitoring/management ecosystem for the solar installations for both residential and commercial as well as globally with strong presence in Europe. Americas represents more than 60% of the global business. The inverters primarily function is to convert the DC electricity generated by the solar panels into AC current.
AFAM: Was working in the smart energy company your first choice or is it more about opportunities that you wanted to take advantage of?
François:
I started in consulting with Ernst & Young and moved to corporate role in consumer electronics with companies like Netgear, Logitech and Corsair as well as semi conductor company like Cypress. I was always interested by the solar industry and when an opportunity came up, I made the move so I can both leverage my experience as well as contribute to a good cause
AFAM: What do you find is the most challenging and the most exciting in your Supply Chain and Logistics Director’s job?
François:
The most challenging is to be able to adjust to the frequently changing regulatory policies impacting the solar industry greatly. And the most exciting is managing and optimizing coping the ever changing supply chain hurdles with inflation pressure, tariff, fuel surcharge, geopolitical trends among others: there is never a boring week. In addition, we now have to integrate on how to best use AI in managing our business.
AFAM: Could you advise any energy startups to watch in 2026?
François:
Some of the key elements is to understand and manage proactively the fast changing factors as described earlier as well as keep an eye on your various customer financials (their financial health and financing model) to reduce risks and generate growth. But overall, solar is not going away despite the ups and downs so it is a good industry to be involved in the long term.
AFAM: How did being a Gadz’Arts help you in becoming who you are today?
François:
It helped me understand the big picture but also dive down into details, be adaptable and resourceful and not be intimidated by challenges, be able to connect and drive at the human level with all kinds of individuals and teams internally and externally
AFAM: How long have you been living in the SF bay area? What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
François:
Oh my gosh! I have now been living more than 25 years with 2 kids now out of college and successful in the working world. I enjoy many things from traveling, celebrating with family and friends (and our AFAM group), staying active with sports (for now!), staying stimulated through reading, culture events and others. Finally it is all about continuing growing as a person through experiences, relationships and curiosity.
AFAM: thank you, François!
Other interviews in “Green and Clean” series:
Interview with Guenael Prince (Cl 201)
Interview with Raphael Zaccardi (Cl 182)
Interview with Lucie Marionnet (Class 2019)
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