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

August 17, 2026
The ACC voted last week to cut the export rate—the price at which residential solar consumers can sell electricity back to the grid—by 10%.
August 17, 2026
Saatvik Solar has signed an MoU with the Government of Odisha for a 3.6GW solar cell manufacturing facility at Gopalpur in Ganjam district.
August 17, 2026
India is set for record solar installations in 2026, while ALMM-II drives cell shortages and higher system prices, according to Wood Mackenzie.
August 17, 2026
Global investment firm Brookfield Asset Management and investment group La Caisse have completed the acquisition of Canadian independent power producer (IPP) Boralex.
August 17, 2026
China’s polysilicon market saw no new transactions last week, with quoted prices remaining at the previous week’s baseline.
August 17, 2026
New South Wales (NSW) has released a Data Centre Policy Framework that ties streamlined planning approval for new data centres to commitments on renewable energy, water use and cost recovery, becoming the first state to translate Australia's national data centre policy direction into detailed operating rules.

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
Solar Media Events
April 20, 2027
Istanbul, Türkiye