First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) 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.

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.