Following the retirement of José Villarreal, a member of the board since 2007, First Solar has taken the opportunity to expand its board membership from nine to 11 members. The company has nominated George “Chip” Hambro, former First Solar COO, and Richard “Rick” Chapman, CFO of Walton Enterprises, Inc., to stand for election at its annual stockholder meeting on May 23, the latter as an independent director.
The two vacancies generated by the board membership expansion have initiated a search for suitable members. First Solar has commissioned the services of an executive search firm to help fill the seats.
“We are pleased to be adding two distinguished candidates to the First Solar Board of Directors,” said Mike Ahearn, First Solar’s chairman and interim CEO. “Chip and Rick are both knowledgeable about First Solar’s strategy and operations and have diverse experience and expertise that will make them valuable additions to our board. We are also committed to further expanding our board by adding two additional independent directors to support our long-term strategic plan. On behalf of the First Solar Board of Directors, I extend my gratitude to José, who has been an engaged and dedicated Director for the past five years.”
