GT Solar co-founder Gupta announces retirement

Kedar Gupta, co-founder and chief executive officer of GT Solar Incorporated, has announced his plans to retire from the company on Dec. 31.

In a press release, the company said President Tom Zarrella will lead the company upon Gupta’s retirement.

Gupta co-founded the company with Jon Talbott in 1994 — with $1,000 between them – and has led the firm for the past 12 years as chairman and CEO. During that time, GT Solar has grown to 120 employees with record revenues, bookings and profitability.

The company is in a leading position in the solar PV industry worldwide with its cutting edge technologies and equipment. Dr. Gupta leaves the company in excellent condition to serve the future needs of the solar photovoltaic industry.

Gupta said he was “humbled” by the company’s success and thanked the “outstanding employees” of GT Solar, its customers and the “individuals in New Hampshire who supported this company in the beginning and ever since.”

He said his plans include helping “entrepreneurial companies in New Hampshire and other parts of the world grow and succeed like GT Solar.” – JEFF FEINGOLD