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

June 30, 2026
First Solar is facing a class action lawsuit from shareholders over its response to US tariff policy and alleged “misleading” statements about its resilience to the shifting policy landscape.
June 30, 2026
Maxeon and Hanwha have agreed to dismiss a court case in which Maxeon accused Hanwha of patent infringement pertaining to TOPCon technology.
June 30, 2026
The government of Mexico has targeted to install 22GW of new renewables by 2030, of which 12GW will be from solar PV.
June 29, 2026
SAEL Industries has broken ground on a 10GW integrated solar manufacturing facility in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh.
June 29, 2026
Over US$121 billion of investment across 92GW of renewables projects in the US is at risk from federal scrutiny, according to Wood Mackenzie.
June 29, 2026
Nama Power and Water Procurement has launched a tender for two utility-scale solar projects in Oman with a combined capacity of 1.5GW.

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
April 20, 2027
Istanbul, Türkiye