TPI Composites announced that James A. Hughes has joined its board of directors. Hughes has spent more than 25 years in the global energy industry and has served since 2012 as the CEO and Director of First Solar. He will bring to TPI vast senior executive experience in energy markets, renewable energy policy, global manufacturing and corporate governance.
"We are thrilled to have Jim join our board," said Paul Giovacchini, TPI Chairman. "We will greatly benefit from Jim's counsel in many key areas as TPI continues to grow around the world."
Prior to First Solar, Hughes served as CEO and Director of AEI Services LLC, which owned and operated power distribution, power generation (both thermal and renewable), natural gas transportation and services, and natural gas distribution businesses in emerging markets worldwide. Previously, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Prisma Energy International, which was formed out of former Enron interests in international electric and natural gas utilities. Prior to that role, Hughes spent almost a decade with Enron Corporation in positions that included President and Chief Operating Officer of Enron Global Assets, President and Chief Operating Officer of Enron Asia, Pacific Africa and China and as Assistant General Counsel of Enron International.
"I am very pleased to be joining the TPI team as the world continues its adoption of cost-effective wind energy," said Hughes. "TPI has managed through a recent period of tremendous global growth with over 5,000 employees now operating in four countries. I look forward to helping to guide the next stage of building the companies' value."
Hughes also serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. He holds a juris doctor degree from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law, a Certificate of Completion in international business law from Queen Mary's College, University of London, and a bachelor's degree in business administration from Southern Methodist University.