Global Solar names former First Solar exec Jean-Noel Poirier as VP of marketing/biz dev

Global Solar Energy has named Jean-Noel Poirier as its new VP of marketing and business development, replacing Tim Teich, who recently became the company's VP of operations. Poirier will lead Global Solar’s sales, marketing, business development, and product management efforts, to support the successful execution of the CIGS thin-film PV company’s technology roadmap and corporate strategy.

Before joining Global Solar, Poirier served as VP of market development at First Solar Inc., a producer of thin-film photovoltaic modules. Prior to his stint at First Solar, he held several leadership positions with Honeywell International, including VP of global marketing for the company's security group.

Poirier is also a founder of the advisory firm, NextRound Venture Partners, and continues to advise early-stage companies including MachFlow Energy, ElectroMotive, and the Triana Group, and sits on the advisory board of the Executive Program of the New York City Accelerator for a Clean and Renewable Economy at Polytechnic Institute of New York University.

He holds an MBA from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University, as well as two BS degrees--in applied economics and management sciences--from the University of Paris Dauphine.

“Jean-Noel’s experience in product development, sales and marketing coupled with his understanding of the global solar industry will be incredibly valuable to the future growth and success of Global Solar,” said Jeffrey Britt, president/CEO of Global Solar. “We look forward to start Jean-Noel’s contributions to direct our marketing and development efforts. His leadership at Global Solar is integral to ensuring we continue being a technology innovator in the emerging building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) industry.”

Poirier commented that “Global Solar Energy has made tremendous strides for CIGS, establishing the solar technology as one of the most efficient and viable PV options in the industry. One of the most interesting areas of solar is BIPV, a breakthrough approach to integrating solar material into building products and design, and an area where Global Solar’s CIGS flexible cells are uniquely suited to succeed."