First Solar aims to seize Saudi opportunities

First Solar, Inc. says it is expanding its regional business development capabilities, with the appointment of Raed Bkayrat as VP of business development for Saudi Arabia.
Additionally, Ahmed S. Nada, VP of business development for the Middle East, will also oversee the company’s commercial growth in North Africa.
Raed and Ahmed will report to Christopher Burghardt, VP of business development for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
“First Solar’s growing footprint translates into a winning combination of local insights and global expertise, which is driving our efforts to enable the region’s solar energy goals,” Burghardt said.
“Our decision to expand our business development team is a reflection of the tremendous potential that we see in the region. Both Ahmed and Raed bring extensive experience to their roles.”
With over 15 years of experience, Raed joins First Solar from the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), where he was responsible for establishing the institution’s successful industry collaboration program (KICP).
During his four-year stint at KAUST, he created a demonstration and testing program for solar and other clean energy technologies.
“First Solar has an excellent track record in combining innovation and technology to remain at the leading edge of the solar energy industry,” Bkayrat said.
Ahmed joined First Solar from General Electric in January 2013 and was tasked with leading the company’s business development efforts across the Middle East, excluding Saudi Arabia.
As VP of business development for the MENA region, he will now also be responsible for a number of fast-growing markets, including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt, in addition to his existing remit.
“As a company, First Solar is focused on partnering with the region to develop solar power into a sustainable, viable and affordable energy resource,” Nada said.