First Solar Hiring Ahmed Nada as VP of Business Development for the Middle East

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates & TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) today announced that Ahmed Nada will join the company as Vice President of Business Development for the Middle East, reporting to Christopher Burghardt, Vice President of Business Development for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). In this new role, Ahmed will be based in the Company’s Dubai office and will lead business development activities in the region outside of Saudi Arabia, where the company is also establishing operations.

“The Middle East is just beginning to tap its immense potential solar power generation, and Ahmed’s many years of experience working with the region’s leading energy companies will help us to meet the growing demand for renewable energy in the region”

Ahmed has 20 years of experience throughout the Middle East, concentrated in the energy and power industries. He joins First Solar after 14 years with General Electric. He most recently was the business executive and regional general manager of GE Oil & Gas Global Services in the Middle East. Prior to that Ahmed worked at Zahid Tractors & Heavy Machinery Co, a Caterpillar distributor in Saudi Arabia, and Saudi Arabian Marketing Corp. (SAMACO).

"The Middle East is just beginning to tap its immense potential solar power generation, and Ahmed’s many years of experience working with the region’s leading energy companies will help us to meet the growing demand for renewable energy in the region," said Christopher Burghardt.

"Utility-scale solar power offers a compelling solution to the region’s growing energy needs, and this is a great opportunity to leverage First Solar’s proven technology and global experience to provide the best value to our customers here," said Ahmed Nada.

Ahmed holds a Master’s of Science degree in international management from HEC Lausanne University in Switzerland.

About First Solar, Inc.

First Solar is a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) solar systems which use its advanced thin-film modules. The company’s integrated power plant solutions deliver an economically attractive alternative to fossil-fuel electricity generation today. From raw material sourcing through end-of-life module collection and recycling, First Solar’s renewable energy systems protect and enhance the environment. For more information about First Solar, please visit www.firstsolar.com.

For First Solar Investors

This release contains forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The forward-looking statements in this release do not constitute guarantees of future performance. Those statements involve a number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including risks associated with the company's business involving the company's products, their development and distribution, economic and competitive factors and the company's key strategic relationships and other risks detailed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. First Solar assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information contained in this press release or with respect to the announcements described herein.