The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) is pleased to announce the appointment of three new senior team members. The move further reinforces the Initiative’s capacity to deliver the practical tools and internationally aligned benchmarks that strengthen ESG and traceability standards, help solar companies demonstrate responsible production, and enhance supply‑chain governance and transparency whilst building confidence in global markets.
Rose Wu joins SSI as Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Partnerships. With over 15 years of experience across multi-stakeholder environments spanning technology, research, migration management and labour protection, Rose brings a strong track record in building partnerships and leading international engagement initiatives. Most recently, she was part of the leadership team at the Regional Support Office of the Bali Process in Bangkok, which serves 45 Member State governments across the Asia-Pacific to strengthen collaborative efforts in responding to people smuggling, trafficking in persons and related transnational crimes. Her earlier career includes leading public engagement and communications efforts for major UK research institutions.
Commenting on her appointment, Rose said: “I’m excited to join SSI at such a pivotal time for the sector. Strengthening collaboration across stakeholders is essential to delivering a truly responsible solar value chain, and I look forward to building partnerships that can drive meaningful, lasting impact.”
Bethany Meban joins as Head of Policy and Communications. She brings her experience in EU policy, strategic communications, and the solar sector, having spent nearly five years at SolarPower Europe as Head of Press & Policy Communications. There, she led media relations, policy messaging and crisis communications for the Brussels-based trade association. Prior to this, Bethany worked in the press office of the UK Mission to the European Union during the Brexit and EU–UK trade negotiations.
Bethany said: “Global power shifts, the latest fossil fuel energy crisis, and a fast-changing legislative landscape all highlight the need for the SSI’s role in strengthening the sustainability and resilience of the solar supply chain. Having helped launch SSI back in 2022, I’m excited to return to the work of advancing responsible solar production and procurement – particularly at a moment where international cooperation has become more vital than ever.”
Ritwajit Das joins the SSI as Asia Lead, bringing more than 15 years of experience across South and Southeast Asia in renewable energy, just transition, climate finance and responsible supply chains – most recently as South Asia Representative for the Business and Human Rights Centre. His work focuses on advancing inclusive, people-centred approaches to clean energy transitions, and he has worked extensively with governments, development finance institutions, industry stakeholders and civil society to support equitable and sustainable development outcomes.
Ritwajit commented: “The transition to clean energy must be both rapid and equitable. I’m pleased to join SSI to help advance responsible practices across the solar value chain and support inclusive, people-centred energy transitions in Asia.”
Welcoming the new appointments, SSI CEO Rachel Owens said: “We are thrilled to welcome Rose, Bethany and Ritwajit to the SSI. Each brings outstanding expertise and leadership that will strengthen our ability to drive forward responsible solar and support global cooperation. These appointments mark an important step in SSI’s continued impact as it works with partners across industry, government and civil society to strengthen ESG and traceability standards within solar supply chains.”