Markets & Finance

Dr. Immo Kötschau has joined centrotherm photovoltaics AG as Directorof Research and Development for the company’s new R&D center inBlaubeuren, Germany. He joins the company from the Hahn-MeitnerInstitute (HMI) in Berlin, where he worked on thin-film processdevelopment.

Sean Shao has tendered his resignation from the post of CFO of TrinaSolar to pursue other interests, it was announced by CEO Jifan Gao(pictured) today. His resignation comes into effect on March 31st,2008, and he will be replaced in the post of CFO on that date by TerryWang, who has joined the company as Senior Vice President of Finance.

First Solar, Inc. has named Kathy Weiss as Vice President of GovernmentRelations to oversee the company’s public policies and manage thecompany’s state and federal affairs...

Stefan Thiel (pictured) has been appointed to the role of Sales Managerfor the solar cell manufacturer, taking over from Franz Ziering. ersol’s sales and strategic purchasing sectors...

Nanotechnology and engineering expert Professor T. C. Yih has beenadded to Octillion’s Advisory Board. He brings years of experience innanosystems, solar energy and bio-electro-mechanic systems, amongothers, to the company’s Advisory Board.

Jeff Winzeler has been named as successor to the role of CFO for thecompany, a position previously held by Glenn Carnahan. Winzeler departsthe company’s franchise operation Yes! Solar, Inc., where he held therole of President.

Dr. Jürgen Dahmer is the newest appointee to the Board of Managementfor SCHOTT, while the company has also announced the extension of thecontract of Professor Udo Ungeheuer (pictured).  Professor Ungeheuer,who holds the post of Chairman of the Board of Management, has had histenure extended for a further five years.

Former Executive General Manager of Quality Assurance and Supply Chainfor Kyocera David Hester is stepping into a new Vice Presidential role,effective today.  An employee of Kyocera since 2000, Hester has a B.Sc.degree in industrial engineering from Purdue University and hasachieved Lean Six Sigma “Black Belt” status.

HelioVolt has added two key executives to its Board of Directors,namely, E. Kenneth Pentimonti, Principal at Paladin Capital and RonaldD. Bernal (pictured), Partner at Sequel Venture Partners.  Both ofthese new Board members were recent contributors to HelioVolt’s recent$101 million fund.

The SMTA’s (Surface Mount Technology Association) Excellence inInternational Leadership Award has been conferred on Rick Short,Corporate Communications Director for Indium Corp.  Mr. Short’sachievements in and contributions to the solar industry were recognizedby the award, which is given out on an annual basis to deservingrecipients.