FIRST SOLAR Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

FIRST SOLAR has 5 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, information technology, and advanced photovoltaic research.

Focused on sustainable energy solutions, FIRST SOLAR drives global adoption of thin film solar technology through utility-scale power plant development and comprehensive lifecycle management services.

Leadership Roles at FIRST SOLAR

  • Chief Financial Officer - Alexander Bradley
  • Chief Information Officer - Aaron Bly
  • Chief Technology Officer - Markus Gloeckler
  • Deputy Chief Technology Officer & Chief Technology Officer - Chen Zhang
  • Deputy Chief Technology Officer & Chief Technology Officer - Kun Hao
  • Alexander Bradley - Chief Financial Officer

    Alexander Bradley, the Chief Financial Officer at FIRST SOLAR, manages the capital structure and fiscal health of the organization. Overseeing global financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the allocation of resources supports the manufacturing of thin film modules. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board to maintain liquidity for utility-scale PV power plant projects. By optimizing the balance sheet, Alexander Bradley directly impacts the long-term viability of the company. Furthermore, Bradley directs the financial reporting processes that provide transparency to stakeholders regarding the expansion of manufacturing capacity. Through rigorous oversight of capital expenditures, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary funding for research and development initiatives. This financial discipline allows the company to maintain a competitive edge in the renewable energy sector while navigating complex international market fluctuations and regulatory requirements across diverse operational regions.
    Alexander Bradley

    Aaron Bly - Chief Information Officer

    Aaron Bly, the Chief Information Officer at FIRST SOLAR, architects the digital infrastructure required to support large-scale photovoltaic manufacturing operations. Overseeing enterprise data systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures the security and efficiency of information flows across global facilities. This leadership role involves integrating advanced analytics into the production cycle to improve module performance and reliability. By modernizing the technological framework, Aaron Bly directly impacts the operational speed of the company. Furthermore, Bly directs the implementation of cybersecurity protocols that protect proprietary thin film technology from external threats. Through the deployment of scalable cloud solutions, the Chief Information Officer enables seamless collaboration between engineering teams and construction units. This digital transformation strategy allows the company to maintain high standards of efficiency while managing the complex data requirements of utility-scale power plant maintenance and end-of-life recycling programs.
    Aaron Bly

    Markus Gloeckler - Chief Technology Officer

    Markus Gloeckler, the Chief Technology Officer at FIRST SOLAR, directs the research and development of next-generation thin film photovoltaic modules. Overseeing the innovation pipeline, the Chief Technology Officer ensures the company remains at the forefront of solar efficiency standards. This leadership role involves collaborating with engineering teams to refine manufacturing processes for utility-scale applications. By pushing the boundaries of material science, Markus Gloeckler directly impacts the energy output of solar panels. Furthermore, Gloeckler directs the integration of new technologies into existing production lines to reduce costs and improve product durability. Through the oversight of technical roadmaps, the Chief Technology Officer aligns research goals with the broader mission of providing sustainable energy solutions. This focus on technical excellence allows the company to maintain a dominant market position while addressing the evolving needs of the global renewable energy landscape through continuous product improvement.
    Markus Gloeckler

    Chen Zhang - Deputy Chief Technology Officer & Chief Technology Officer

    Chen Zhang, the Deputy Chief Technology Officer & Chief Technology Officer at FIRST SOLAR, manages the implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies within the production facilities. Overseeing process engineering, the Deputy Chief Technology Officer & Chief Technology Officer ensures the scalability of thin film module production. This leadership role involves optimizing factory throughput to meet the demands of utility-scale power plant projects. By refining the technical specifications of the manufacturing equipment, Chen Zhang directly impacts the operational efficiency of the company. Furthermore, Zhang directs the quality control protocols that maintain the high performance of solar panels across diverse environmental conditions. Through the coordination of technical teams, the Deputy Chief Technology Officer & Chief Technology Officer supports the rapid deployment of new product iterations. This operational focus allows the company to maintain consistent output levels while scaling production capacity to serve growing international markets and energy infrastructure needs.

    Kun Hao - Deputy Chief Technology Officer & Chief Technology Officer

    Kun Hao, the Deputy Chief Technology Officer & Chief Technology Officer at FIRST SOLAR, leads the development of sustainable end-of-life recycling technologies for photovoltaic modules. Overseeing the circular economy initiatives, the Deputy Chief Technology Officer & Chief Technology Officer ensures the company minimizes environmental impact through efficient material recovery. This leadership role involves designing systems that reclaim valuable components from decommissioned solar panels. By advancing recycling capabilities, Kun Hao directly impacts the sustainability profile of the company. Furthermore, Hao directs the integration of these recovery processes into the broader lifecycle management services offered to utility-scale clients. Through the oversight of environmental compliance standards, the Deputy Chief Technology Officer & Chief Technology Officer aligns technical operations with global sustainability goals. This commitment to responsible manufacturing allows the company to differentiate its service offerings while ensuring long-term environmental stewardship in the renewable energy sector.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding FIRST SOLAR Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads FIRST SOLAR?
    FIRST SOLAR is led by Alexander Bradley (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Aaron Bly (Chief Information Officer) and Markus Gloeckler (Chief Technology Officer).
    Who is part of FIRST SOLAR’s executive team?
    The executive team of FIRST SOLAR includes leaders such as Alexander Bradley (Chief Financial Officer), Aaron Bly (Chief Information Officer), Markus Gloeckler (Chief Technology Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does FIRST SOLAR have?
    FIRST SOLAR has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in FIRST SOLAR’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of FIRST SOLAR includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Deputy Chief Technology Officer & Chief Technology Officer, Deputy Chief Technology Officer & Chief Technology Officer.