Robert J. Gillette has been appointed Chief Executive Officer at First Solar, succeeding Mike Ahearn.
Gillette brings experience to this position of CEO and president of Honeywell Aerospace. In this role, he led more than 40,000 associates at nearly 100 worldwide manufacturing and service sites.
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Mr. Ahearn, First Solar said, “I compliment the Board of Directors and the search committee for identifying and bringing to First Solar an executive possessing a unique combination of skills and experiences that make him an ideal leader for First Solar in the next wave of our growth.”
Gillette joined Honeywell in 1996 and has served in a number of senior management positions. Prior to joining Honeywell, Gillette spent over 10 years at General Electric where he served in numerous senior management positions.
“This is a unique opportunity to join a leader in what promises to be one of the most important industries of the 21st century,” said Mr. Gillette. “I am excited to lead First Solar through the next phase of its growth.”
Gillette will assume his duties as CEO and join the Board of Directors effective October 1, 2009. As previously announced, Ahearn will continue to serve in the full-time position of executive chairman.
