9 May 2016

First Solar names Georges Antoun as chief commercial officer

First Solar Inc of Tempe, AZ, USA – which makes thin-film photovoltaic modules based on cadmium telluride (CdTe) as well as providing engineering, procurement & construction (EPC) services – says that Georges Antoun, president - US, has been appointed chief commercial officer (effective 1 July).

Picture: Georges Antoun has been named First Solar's chief commercial officer.

Antoun will have comprehensive leadership responsibility for Global Project and Business Development, with a primary focus on increased sales and sustainable growth in emerging markets. Reporting to Antoun will be First Solar global project development, business development and strategic marketing teams.

"Georges has a deep and broad grasp of every aspect of our operations," says chief financial officer Mark Widmar, who will become CEO on 1 July. "I am confident that he can lead a fully integrated international business development organization that will deliver on our strategic objectives while focusing on deeper customer intimacy." 

As president - US, Antoun oversaw project and business development for the USA. Previously, he was chief operations officer, joining First Solar in June 2012 after working in the international IT and telecommunications industries.

"I am honored to take on this expanded role as we enter a new phase of growth and development," says Antoun. "I look forward to working with the management team and global associates to execute on our strategies." 

As part of this transition, Joe Kishkill, First Solar's president - International, is leaving the company to pursue other interests. "Joe played an important role in positioning First Solar as a global player," comments Widmar. 

See related items:

First Solar's CFO Mark Widmar to succeed CEO Jim Hughes, who remains on board as advisor

Tags: First Solar Thin-film photovoltaic CdTe

Visit: www.firstsolar.com