Tim Pawlenty has been named as the incoming president and CEO of the US Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

Pawlenty’s appointment to the national trade association for the solar and energy storage industry, effective June 15, was announced on May 11.

Darren Van’t Hof will continue as interim president and CEO until Pawlenty takes up his post.

Pawlenty is a former Minnesota state governor who served two terms in office from 2003 to 2011, during which he championed some of the US’s most forward-looking renewable energy initiatives, SEIA said.

He is also a former president and CEO of the Financial Services Roundtable, supporting policies to strengthen the US financial system.

SEIA board chair Scott Moskowitz of QCells said Pawlenty brings a proven track record of executive leadership, deep public policy expertise, and a clear understanding of the energy challenges facing the US.

Pawlenty said: “At a time when affordability is front and centre for Americans, expanding access to low-cost solar and storage can deliver real savings and strengthen our domestic energy supply.”