TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr. 29, 2009--
First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) announced today that it has initiated a
process to recruit its next chief executive officer to succeed Michael
Ahearn. Upon selection of a new chief executive officer, Ahearn will
continue to serve in the full-time position of executive chairman. In
this role Ahearn will focus his efforts at First Solar on the
development of public policies needed for the global transition to
low-carbon energy infrastructures.
“We are rapidly reaching the point where the evolution of the energy
industry will be constrained not by technology or product costs, but
rather by policies, programs and institutions that cannot adapt rapidly
to the innovations that are occurring in clean energy,” said Ahearn.
“Given First Solar’s leadership position in the industry, I believe we
are in a unique position to make a valuable contribution to those policy
discussions. This will require virtually full-time focus from the very
top of the organization. As a major shareholder and founder of the
Company, I remain committed to its success.”
The Company has initiated an external search for a new chief executive
officer, led by a committee of the Board of Directors. The Board intends
to run a thorough and deliberate process designed to identify and
recruit a candidate consistent with specific criteria developed with the
existing management team and required to lead the Company in executing
its long-term strategic plan.
About First Solar
First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) is changing the way the world is
powered by creating truly sustainable solar energy solutions. The
Company is the world’s largest photovoltaic module manufacturer of PV
modules in the world. First Solar manufactures solar modules with an
advanced semiconductor technology and provides comprehensive PV system
solutions. By constantly decreasing manufacturing costs, First Solar is
creating an affordable and environmentally responsible alternative to
fossil-fuel generation. First Solar modules are most effective when
demand for traditional forms of energy is at its peak. First Solar set
the benchmark for environmentally responsible product life cycle
management by introducing the industry's first comprehensive collection
and recycling program for solar modules. From raw material sourcing
through end-of-life collection and recycling, First Solar is focused on
creating cost-effective renewable energy solutions that protect and
enhance the environment. For more information about First Solar, please
visit www.firstsolar.com,
or www.firstsolar.com/media
to download photos.
For First Solar Investors
This release contains forward-looking statements which are made pursuant
to the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934. The forward-looking statements in this release do not
constitute guarantees of future performance. Those statements involve a
number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially,
including risks associated with the company's business involving the
company's products, their development and distribution, economic and
competitive factors and the company's key strategic relationships and
other risks detailed in the company's filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. First Solar assumes no obligation to update any
forward-looking information contained in this press release or with
respect to the announcements described herein.
Source: First Solar, Inc.
First Solar, Inc.
United States:
Lisa Morse
+1-602-414-9361
media@firstsolar.com
Europe:
Brandon
Mitchener
+49-6131-1443-399
media@firstsolar.com