Succeeding founder chairman Bob Pettigrew, Martin helps build high growth technology and renewable energy companies, assisting them in creating and driving forward their strategies, and developing strategic partnerships.

He has experience of six public listings (New York Stock Exchange and London Main Market and AIM), extensive global M&A activities, and considerable exposure to North American and Asian markets.

His other roles include almost 10 years as chairman of Chinese solar company Renesola (increased revenues from $5m to $1.2 billion over five years), chairman of air filtration and clean air solutions company MayAir Group, and group CEO and commercial director of global fuel cell and energy company Intelligent Energy.

Sunamp CEO, Andrew Bissell, said: “Martin’s track record in accelerating commercial growth of early stage technology companies is an excellent fit for Sunamp, and for our future ambitions, and I warmly welcome his appointment.

“I am confident he is the right person to chair the Board as we drive forward our growth strategy and the company will benefit from his sector expertise and wide network. He will build on Bob Pettigrew’s foundations in steering Sunamp through its early growth.  We are now poised to gain significant advantage from our leading position in the global market for thermal storage.”

Sunamp expects to almost double its staff to 50 this year.