20 February 2014

First Solar appoints general counsel

First Solar Inc of Tempe, AZ, USA, which manufactures thin-film photovoltaic modules based on cadmium telluride (CdTe) as well as providing engineering, procurement & construction (EPC) services, has named Paul Kaleta as executive VP & general counsel, with comprehensive leadership responsibility for its global legal function (effective 3 March).

“Paul’s notable experience in the energy sector is a considerable asset to First Solar,” comments CEO Jim Hughes. “He is a seasoned professional, with more than 20 years of experience as a general counsel, who brings highly relevant, market-specific depth to our leadership team.”

Most recently, Kaleta was executive VP, shared services, general counsel & secretary, and chief compliance officer, for NV Energy Inc. Before that, he was VP & general counsel for Koch Industries Inc, as well as serving in legal and other leadership roles for Koch companies. Before joining Koch, he was VP & general counsel of Niagara Mohawk Power Corp (now part of National Grid), and was a partner in the law firm Swidler & Berlin and an associate at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. He also served as a federal judicial clerk.

Kaleta earned his JD from Georgetown University Law Center and holds a bachelor's degree from Hamilton College.

Tags: First Solar Thin-film photovoltaic CdTe

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