US solar power company REC Solar appointed Matt Walz as chief executive officer on August 24. He was previously a vice president of commercial solar at Duke Energy Renewables.

Duke Energy Corporation, the largest and arguably one of the most innovative US utilities, bought a majority interest in REC Solar in February 2015.

It formed Duke Energy Renewables to manage the acquisition.

Walz previously managed Duke Energy Renewables’ commitment, made at the time of the azquisition, to invest up to $225 million in commercial solar projects developed by REC SOlar and supported by long-term power purchase agreements. Walz was also a board member of REC Solar.

Walz, who joined Duke Energy Corporation in June 2004 as a senior financial analyst, has steadily worked his way up the firm.