Former Enron executive to lead First Solar’s emerging markets push

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

James Hughes, a previous long-term executive within the corporate structures of the infamous Enron, has been chosen by First Solar's chairman and interim CEO Mike Ahearn to lead its major business strategy change to focus on the unsubsidized emerging PV markets, such as Chile. Hughes has been appointed as chief commercial officer – a newly created role.

Hughes had been president of Enron Global Assets and also as general counsel of Enron International. More recently, he had held the role of president of Prisma Energy, a company that evolved out of the Enron debacle.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

“Jim is extraordinarily prepared to help First Solar open new markets and reach revenue goals,” said Mike Ahearn. “We will benefit greatly from his diverse and extensive global and operational experience in the energy sector.”

First Solar said that Hughes would be responsible for the global business development and sales; project development; engineering, procurement and construction (EPC); product management and international public affairs and communications within emerging markets.

Update
 
In a SEC filing detailing the recent appointment of a former Enron executive, James A. Hughes as Chief Commercial Officer at First Solar, Hughes picks-up US$1.2 million in restricted shares in the company on top of a sign-on bonus of US$425,000. His annual salary was said to be US$550,000. 
 


 

Read Next

September 16, 2026
Over 90% of solar industry professionals report a growing project deployment pipeline in 2026, but new projects that are abandoned before completion now account for almost half of all project pipelines.
September 16, 2026
Saatvik Green Energy has secured a 600MWp solar PV module supply order from SECI, with delivery scheduled for completion by December 2027.
September 16, 2026
UAE state-run renewables developer Masdar has signed an agreement with renewables developer Azerbaijan Green Energy Company (AGEC) to explore the development of new renewable energy projects in Azerbaijan.
September 16, 2026
Thin-film cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar module manufacturer First Solar has adjusted its enforcement of tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) intellectual property (IP) strategy.
September 15, 2026
Two community solar platforms in the US have closed over US$370 million of financing to fund 200MW of new projects in New York and Illinois.
Premium
September 15, 2026
DYCM’s co-founder Sriram Das talks about US solar manufacturing, domestic supply chains and navigating shifting policy.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
November 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
November 24, 2026
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
February 2, 2027
London, UK