First Solar Inc of Tempe,AZ,USA-which manufactures thin-film photovoltaic modules based on cadmium telluride(CdTe)as well as providing engineering,procurement and construction(EPC)services–has announced the election of CEO James Hughes to its board of directors.
After joining First Solar in March as chief commercial officer,Hughes was appointed CEO in May,succeeding founder&chairman Mike Ahearn,who had been serving as interim CEO since October 2011.
Hughes has nearly 20 years of experience in the global energy industry.Before joining First Solar,he was CEO of AEI,which owned and operated power distribution,conventional and renewable power generation,natural gas transportation and natural gas distribution businesses in 19 countries.Prior to that,he was president&chief operating officer for Prisma Energy.
Hughes also has a juris doctor from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law,a Certificate of Completion in international business law from Queen Mary's College,University of London,and a bachelor's degree in business administration from Southern Methodist University.